Many temples in South India have elephants on their premises, blessing devotees with their trunks. In an innovative twist, Kerala has embraced a 'cruelty-free' way of continuing this tradition. Instead of using real elephants, some temples have installed robotic versions at their entrances. However, these mechanical elephants resemble real ones so closely that it becomes difficult to tell they are not alive.
A recent video shared by PETA featured one such robot elephant from a temple in Kerala. At first glance, it looked like a regular temple elephant gracefully swaying its trunk during festivities. But wait, this elephant wasn't a real pachyderm! It was a life-size mechanical marvel, and the internet couldn't believe it.
"A breakthrough in temple traditions! Devi Dasan is a technological wonder that allows elephants to stay in their jungle homes, where they belong", PETA wrote while uploading the clip on X.
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Robot elephant in temple festivities
The video showed the robotic tusker standing outside a temple amid grand celebrations, blending seamlessly into the festive atmosphere. As traditional Chenda Melam beats filled the air, devotees and children gathered in awe and danced to the festival vibe, the elephant elegantly flapped its ears, just like a real one! The movements were so natural that it was nearly impossible to tell that the majestic creature was, in fact, a robot.
The animal welfare organization reportedly donated the mechanical elephant to the Sree Balanhadrakali Kshetram Trust in Perumkadavila, Kerala in its mission to replace animals with their robot versions, aiming to protect elephants and send them back to the woods.
India's first robotic elephant was introduced in the Irinjadappilly Sree Krishna Temple of the Thrissur district in 2023. Since then, many other temples have welcomed this move, replacing captive animals used in religious ceremonies.
