In a first, this Kerala temple replaces live elephants with ‘robotic elephants’ for rituals

In a first, a temple in Kerala has introduced a life-size motorised model of an elephant to perform rituals, such as carrying processional deities. The initiative was taken by the authorities at Irinjadappilly Sree Krishna Temple in Thrissur district as part of their pledge to stop using live animals for any festivities.

The 11 ft tall ‘robotic elephant’ is made of iron frame, weighing 800 kg, with rubber coating, was donated to the said temple by People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India.
The robotic elephant has been named ‘Irinjadappilly Raman’ and a ‘Nadayiruthal’ ceremony (a ritual that involves offering elephants to the deity in Kerala temples) was also conducted. Interestingly, Raman was decked in the ceremony, just like elephants during festivals.

With regard to this, PETA added that this model will help temples conduct ceremonies safely and without any cruelty, which also supports the cause for rehabilitation of captive elephants.
As per the reports, the robotic elephant will be able to carry five people at a time, and the mahout (operator here) can control its trunk using a switch. The robotic elephant has been built by a group of artists in Thrissur, who have been supplying elephant statues for the Dubai Shopping Festival.
Regarding this, temple priest Rajkumar Namboothiri added that the temple authorities were also elated to receive the mechanical elephant. He also stated that they are hoping other temples also give a serious thought to the idea, and start replacing elephants with robotic elephants for their rituals.

Namboothiri further added that the temple is run by a family, who used to hire elephants for the festivals in the past. However, in the last few years, the temple stopped the practice, considering the high-cost of getting a pachyderm and the growing incidents of elephants turning violent during festivals.

However, when the temple authorities heard that a group of artists were building elephant statues for Dubai (shopping festival), they met them and asked them to make one as per their suggestions and modifications. After this, PETA India, which is working against cruelty towards animals, stepped in with sponsorship. This is how this interesting idea saw the light of day.