(The spelling and pronunciation are peculiar. The AY in this name is pronounced like 'i' in 'mine'. The TH ia pronounced like 'th' in 'with'. Some spell it as Airaavatha, where ai is pronounced like y in 'my'. In the alternative spelling, the N is pronounced like 'n' in 'turn'. ) A Naaga chief was also named Ayraavatha.
Aayraavatha is the elephant of Indra. It was born from the milk-sea when it was churned for ambrosia. Abhramu was its lady elephant's name.
It is also one of the eoght cardinal elephants (this is of the east). The eight cardinal elephants are 1. Ayraavatha, 2. Pundareeka,
3. Vaamana, 4. Kumuda, 5. Anjana, 6.Pushpadantha, 7. Saarvabhouma, and 8.Supratheeka.
All these eight elephants have their lady elephants too ! They are Abhramu, Kapila, Pingala,Anupama, Thaamraparni or Thaamrakarni, Subhradanthi,Angana and Anjanaavathi
Bhagadaththa's elephant was also named Supratheeka. Both Bhagadaththa and his Supratheeka were killed in the war by Arjuna on the twelfth day.