Rahul, who is on a whirlwind two-day tour in Kerala took time off his hectic schedule to offer prayers at the famed Thirunelli temple.

People believe that departed souls attain "moksha" if this homage is performed on Karkidaka vavu day on the Malayalam month of Kardidakam.

Tusker lovers in central Kerala have now started performing rituals to appease the souls of dead elephants.