As Iraivan rests quietly awaiting the next contingent of stones and silpis, our SK team is refurbishing it’s Two-Trucked Elephant: the Yale forklift.

This machine is a key component for the building of iraivan, moving all the stones from the container to or near their destination in the temple.

All the old paint and rusted areas were ground clean and the elephant is getting a complete fresh new coat of paint.

Our Siddhidata Kulam has become master of vehicle maintenance.

Protecting metal on vehicles is a challenge. So many surfaces! Sadhaka Rajanatha is very focused.

It usually requires several treatments. After grinding, comes the under rust-proof undercoat.

I wonder what color the final Elephant will be this time?