Bring Back Madhuri (Mahadevi)
Last updated: January 1st, 2026 (latest public reporting)
Madhuri — also called Mahadevi — is a temple elephant from Nandani village near Kolhapur whose welfare and custody have been the subject of court orders, public campaigns, and rehabilitation efforts. In mid-2025 courts ordered rehabilitation at a specialised facility (Vantara, Jamnagar), triggering both relief from welfare groups and strong local protests calling for her return.
How You Can HelpAbout Madhuri / Mahadevi
Madhuri (approx. 33–36 years old in reports) spent decades in the care of a Jain math in Nandani, Kolhapur. Veterinary inspections and welfare assessments in 2023–2024 raised concerns about chronic medical issues (including foot and joint problems) and psychological stress from long confinement and use in noisy processions.
Short Timeline
- ~1992 — Madhuri (Mahadevi) brought into care of the Nandani Jain math as a young elephant.
- 2017 — Renewed scrutiny after incidents and concerns about handling during public events.
- 2023–2024 — PETA and a Supreme Court–appointed High Powered Committee (HPC) inspected and reported welfare concerns.
- 16 Jul 2025 — Bombay High Court directed transfer/rehabilitation to a specialised facility (Vantara) prioritising welfare.
- 25–30 Jul 2025 — Supreme Court / further hearings resulted in orders upholding the transfer; Madhuri was moved to Vantara (Jamnagar).
- Aug 2025 onward — Local protests, petitions and political efforts to seek her return; Vantara and state authorities engaged in talks and proposed a satellite rehab / care plan in Kolhapur.
What is “Bring Back Madhuri”?
The campaign grew after court-ordered transfer. Thousands signed petitions and local supporters (including religious leaders and elected representatives) organised protests, arguing Madhuri is part of local religious life. At the same time, animal welfare organisations argue her medical and psychological needs require specialised rehabilitation.
Vantara / Rehabilitation Facility
Vantara's Radhe Krishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust (Jamnagar) is described by operators as a dedicated rehabilitation facility offering specialised veterinary care, hydrotherapy, and more naturalistic enclosures. Following court directions, Madhuri was transferred there for rehabilitation and treatment. Vantara has subsequently engaged in discussions with Maharashtra authorities and the Jain Math about a possible local (Kolhapur-area) satellite rehabilitation plan to facilitate a future return if the courts permit and welfare can be ensured.
Legal & Welfare Findings
Courts emphasised that an elephant’s right to a quality life and necessary medical care must take precedence over ritual or procession use when the two conflict. Medical inspections documented wounds and chronic health concerns that required specialist treatment, which influenced judicial directions to prioritise rehabilitation.
Key judicial steps
- Bombay High Court (16 Jul 2025): upheld HPC recommendations prioritising welfare and directing rehabilitation to a specialised centre.
- Supreme Court proceedings (late Jul 2025): further hearings and orders led to compliance reporting and involvement of a High Power Committee/HPC to work on a rehabilitation/return plan.
Recent Developments
Public reporting (July–Aug 2025) indicates that Madhuri was transferred to Vantara, provoking significant local protest in Kolhapur. Subsequently, political leaders, the Maharashtra government, and Vantara have discussed options — including creating a satellite rehab facility near Nandani — and have asked the HPC to work towards a consensus-based rehabilitation/return plan. These discussions are ongoing and tied to court compliance schedules.
How You Can Help
- Support evidence-based welfare: Encourage decisions grounded in veterinary assessments and humane rehabilitation plans.
- Donate to verified welfare groups: Contribute to organisations doing on-the-ground elephant care and rehabilitation (verify credentials first).
- Share trusted updates: Avoid sharing unverified claims — rely on reputable media and official statements.