The cracking sound of whips, resonant beat of drums and the chanting of "sadu sadu" from the crowds have long faded away.The pomp and the pageantry of the spectacular Esala Perahera is now behind us but not so for Nadungamuwe Raja. To the majestic tusker who has been bestowed with the great honour of carrying the most revered Sacred Tooth Relic Casket at the Esala Pageant, one perahera may be over but there are many more to come...

Once just a wild pachyderm, the Nadungamuwe Raja has today been elevated to the highest ranks in the country any one of his species could ever claim.There is no greater honour than being the casket bearer at the Kandy Dalada Perahera. He has been performing this noble task for the past seven consecutive years with great care and reverence just like his legendary predecessor, the first Raja who was declared a national treasure after his demise.

Even though traditionally the hallowed task of bearing the Dalada Karanduwa or the Sacred Tooth Relic Casket is carried out by a tusker belonging to the Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic) there are instances when elephants from outside are used if they fit the traditional criterion. Any elephant that bears the Dalada Karanduwa must belong to the Saddhantha kulaya or caste ( the highest cast among the elephant clan), and Nadungamuwe Raja is certainly a magnificent specimen of this cast. The 58 year-old Raja whose girth matches his height , is 10 and a half feet tall and also has long tusks. He is certainly a sight to behold, especially when walking magestically with the relic casket, at the Esala Perahera.

Nadungamuwe Raja is not a tusker attached to the Temple so he has to overcome many a hurdle before parading the streets at the Esala Perahera.What's impressive is the long ,arduous journey this gentle giant with a calm , quiet disposition makes to get to the Kandy Dalada Maligawa from his hometown in Nadungamuwa.

It is a 100 kilometre uphill journey through winding roads and hilly terrain. And Raja treks it all the way on foot come rain or sunshine. Nothing deters him from taking a step back in this sacred journey he has begun. He certainly seems to cherish the honour bestowed on him and is determined to perform his duties to the best of his abilities. Isn't that amazing?

This year Raja began his long journey on July 18 around 12.45 p.m after the chanting of seth pirith for a safe journey organised by his present owner, native physician, Harsha Dharmavijaya. Raja had been bought by his father, also a native physician, P.D. P Dharmavijaya, at the age of 25 years. And his proud owners who simply dote on him claim that Raja has been a gentle, sweet natured animal that has not harmed anyone or caused any destruction all these years.

Following the blessings of the Sangha and fond farewells from his owners, Nadungamuwe Raja and his mahouts,Koddithuwakku (chief mahout) and assistant Sunil Ranjith, equipped with all they needed for the journey, began their long trek. They put the long miles behind them, one step at a time. The mahouts never forget to carry medicines for the elephant and lanterns because Raja ambles his way along the roads mostly at night. He rests during the daytime and refreshes himself in rivers and tanks along the route before continuing his journey with the fall of dusk.His mahouts say that by travelling after dusk Raja not only conserves his energy by avoiding the scorching heat but also does not have to see the steep rock face which unnerves him.

Those of you who have travelled to Kandy are bound to be familiar with the famous Kadugannawa Pass (tunnel) that one has to go through to reach the city. And how does the gigantic elephant negotiate this sharp bend? According to his mahouts he is somewhat reluctant to do so, however as he is not one to be deterred by any obstacles he overcomes his fears and moves on.

Raja who usually prefers to travel on the high road, by- passing the tunnel, made history this year by courageously going through the tunnel after some coaxing.

After breaking journey in Bataleeya,Warakapola,Galigamuwa and Mawanella, Raja and his mahouts finally reached their destination, the Kandy Dalada Maligawa on August 23 around 2.30 p.m. However, they did not do so without first cleansing themselves and stopping at the Gatambe Rajamaha Vihara to pay homage to the gods .

From the moment Raja stepped into the temple premises he knew his role. He calmly went through the rituals to prepare himself for the hallowed task ahead of him. (See pictorial on page 10. )And Raja who was magnificently caparisoned became the cynosure (centre of attraction) as he walked with great majesty and reverence with the Relic Casket atop him,flanked by two of his clan caparisoned in regal attire .

With the Kandy Perahera now behind him Raja is presently relaxing at home in the idyllic (peaceful) settings of sprawling coconut land in Nadungamuwa, enjoying some of his favourite food such as ,kithul and coconut palm, jak leaves ,sugar cane, pineapples and mangoes. And guess what he relishes most to eat ? Jaggery. So, he does have a sweet tooth after all like most of you who cannot resist anything sweet.

This gentle giant of the wild leads a life of leisure enjoying the free time between the numerous peraheras he participates in throughout the year . Even though he is kept in chains, Raja does not feel he is held in captivity because of all the love and care showered on him by his owners and mahouts. They look into his every need and ensure he is safe at all times.

Even when they tie him to a tree they make certain that he is not tied in an area suseptible to a bolt of lightening as he could be harmed due to the iron chains .That's how much he is loved and treasured and Raja surely knows it. He too shows his affection to his beloved masters by making a visit to the front of the house every morning and noon to greet them. Of course they do not send him back empty handed... he always gets a treat of fruits or his favourite jaggery.

-Miru