Thechikkottukavu Ramachandran (born c. 1964) is an elephant owned by Thechikottukavu devasom, a temple in Kerala. Commonly known as Raman, he is the tallest living captive elephant in Asia, standing at 321.5 cm. They have also given Ramachandran the title Ekachatradhipathi (The Only Emperor).
Thechikkottukavu Ramachandran is one of the celebrity elephants in Kerala. He has participated in many poorams including the most famous Thrissur Pooram. Raman, he is the tallest living captive elephant in Asia , standing at 321.5 cm.
The partly blind elephant plays a key role in several Pooram festivals; in 2018, 50,000 spectators gathered to watch Ramachandran kickstart Thrissur Pooram at Thrissur’s Vadakkumnathan temple. However, he has been banned from public display on multiple occasions.
Due to Ramachandran's popularity, temples in Kerala have wanted Raman to carry God’s idol during temple festivals to attract a crowd. He has previously been banned by the authorities for causing the death of spectators. However, Raman remains a widely loved and celebrated elephant in Kerala.
Since 2011, Ramchandran has performed the Poora Vilambaram, when the elephant pushes open the south entrance gate of the Vadakkunnathan Temple, marking the beginning of Thrissur Pooram.
Species: Elephas maximus (Asian Elephant)
Sex: Male
Born: 1964, Bihar, India
Owner: Thechikkottukavu Devasom, Kerala, India
Height: 321 cm (10 ft 6+1⁄2 in)
