Elephants play a big part Hinduism, and are revered especially in Tamil Nadu where in many temples you will find a resident temple elephant. This majestic elephant tucked away a corner of the temple is pulled out a few times a year for special festivals such as the Mahamaham festival which is celebrated every 12 years in the Mahamaham tank. Hindus consider taking a holy dip at the tank on the day of Mahamaham as sacred. The last Mahamaham was celebrated on February 22, 2016 with more than 100,000 devotees taking the holy dip.