Elephant lashes out at man during temple parade

A middle-aged man has felt the wrath of a grouchy elephant after being kicked clean off his feet while watching a herd parade through a village in India.

The majestic beast, named Saraswati, was being led with other temple elephants through Kerala in India when it struck the male bystander, the Mail Online reports.

As the crowds and beasts surge forward, Saraswati appeared to swipe its tail, possibly as a warning, as the man walks closely behind.

Seconds later, the elephant casually raises its left back leg and connects with the man sending him cannoning through the crowd and off screen.

Perhaps it was the narrow street, crowded path or the myriad of loud noises that set the animal off. Whatever the reason the man would have been more than a little winded.

Elephants are considered the closest Earthly vessel to the Hindu god Ganesh. However, activists have raised questions over the treatment of the animals in temples, many claiming the animals are tortured and starved by their handlers.