7 hrs ago
Madhuri Returns to Kolhapur After 13 Months at Vantara
Madhuri is an elephant who lived at the Nandani Jain math in Kolhapur for many years.
She was moved to Vantara, an animal rescue centre in Gujarat, in July 2025.
The move followed a decision by a special committee and a long legal dispute.
In September 2026, the committee allowed her to return to Kolhapur.
Many people celebrated when she arrived home.
They used flowers, music, lights, and sweets to welcome her.
Madhuri will first rest and become comfortable with her old caretakers again.
PETA India says Vantara was safer for her, while her supporters say she belongs with the math and will receive proper care.
Madhuri, also known as Mahadevi, returned to the Nandani Jain math in Kolhapur after more than a year at Vantara in Jamnagar, Gujarat.
She was moved to Vantara on July 28, 2025, following a High-Powered Committee decision upheld by the Bombay High Court and Supreme Court.
The committee cleared her return on September 9, 2026, after inspecting the facility where she was to live.
Hundreds of residents welcomed Madhuri with flowers, music, lighting, sweets, and celebrations, while organisers cancelled a larger procession to reduce her fatigue.
PETA India opposed the return, while local supporters and the Jain math said they would follow veterinary and care requirements.
- Who
- Madhuri, also known as Mahadevi; the Nandani Jain math; Vantara; local supporters; and PETA India.
- What
- Madhuri returned to the Nandani Jain math after more than a year at Vantara.
- Where
- From Vantara in Jamnagar, Gujarat, to the Nandani Jain math in Kolhapur, Maharashtra.
- When
- She was moved on July 28, 2025; her return was cleared on September 9, 2026, and took place afterward.
- Why
- The High-Powered Committee cleared her return after inspecting the facility, amid a prolonged legal and public dispute over where she should live.
Supporters of Madhuri’s Return
Critics of Madhuri’s Return
Where Madhuri should live
Supporters of Madhuri’s Return
Local supporters and the Jain math say Madhuri has been connected to the math for decades and should return to Kolhapur.
Critics of Madhuri’s Return
PETA India says Madhuri should have remained at Vantara, where it says she had better safety, care, and hospital facilities.
Conditions at the Jain math
Supporters of Madhuri’s Return
Supporters reject earlier abuse reports as fabricated and say the math will follow court directions, including fortnightly veterinary check-ups.
Critics of Madhuri’s Return
PETA India alleges that Madhuri previously lived alone and in chains at the math and questioned whether the facility could meet her needs.
Future care arrangements
Supporters of Madhuri’s Return
The math plans a permanent four-acre enclosure, while Vantara says it will continue guiding and supporting the facility.
Critics of Madhuri’s Return
Vantara noted that current infrastructure improvements are limited by town-planning constraints, including a road crossing the trust’s land.
Key facts
- Elephant
- Madhuri, also known as Mahadevi
- Former facility
- Vantara animal rescue centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat
- New home
- Nandani Jain math in Kolhapur
- Transfer date
- July 28, 2025
- Return clearance
- September 9, 2026
- Current accommodation
- A renovated shed with a water tank
- Planned improvements
- A larger four-acre enclosure with a garden and swimming pool is planned within a year
Quotes
Jinsen Bhattarak Mahaswami
Chief of the Nandani Jain math
“It was very painful to pass even a single day without Madhuri’s presence over the last 13 months. However, we are overjoyed that she is back. I thank the Maharashtra government, political leaders, the public, and the media for their continued efforts to bring her home.”
indianexpress.com
“We cancelled the bigger programme because Madhuri would be tired after her long journey from Gujarat. History has been created – the High-Powered Committee decision considered the public’s emotional attachment and allowed her return.”
indianexpress.com
Sources
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