Virudhunagar (Tamil Nadu) [India], June 27: In a landmark move blending tradition with compassion, actor Trisha Krishnan and the Chennai-based NGO People for Cattle in India (PFCI) have donated a life-size mechanical elephant named Gaja to the Sri Ashtalinga Athisesha Selva Vinayagar and Sri Ashtabhuja Athisesha Varahi Amman Temples in Aruppukottai. This initiative marks the first instance in the Madurai region – and the entire Virudhunagar district – where a temple has embraced a mechanical elephant for religious ceremonies. Gaja, a meticulously designed mechanical elephant, is set to participate in temple rituals, offering a humane alternative to the traditional use of live elephants. This move aligns with a growing trend across South India, where temples adopt mechanical elephants to uphold cultural practices while ensuring animal welfare. The world’s first mechanical elephant, named Irinjadappilly Raman, was introduced at a temple in Kerala in 2023 by PETA India.
Trisha Krishnan, a celebrated Indian actress, has long advocated for animal welfare. Trisha actively collaborates with organizations like PETA India and the Blue Cross of India to champion the rights and well-being of animals. “I’m absolutely thrilled to be part of this beautiful moment,” says an elated Trisha Krishnan. “Devotion shines brightest when it’s rooted in compassion. Welcoming a mechanical elephant into our temple traditions is a celebration of kindness, innovation, and culture. We are honoring our heritage in a way that brings no harm, only harmony. This gesture stands as a proud symbol of progress, where faith and empathy walk hand in hand. I hope it inspires many more to embrace a future where love leads our rituals, and no being suffers in the name of tradition.”
Additional Superintendent of Police, Mr. Mathivanan. IPS, who unveiled Gaja, says, “I am glad to attend such a function. Gaja, the mechanical elephant, is placed and is one of a kind in this region, so I am very happy to attend this function. I am told that Gaja will save several wild animals, so I congratulate the organisation and the temple trustees who were working behind the scenes.”
On the auspicious occasion of the Kumbabishekam festival at these temples, Gaja was introduced and celebrated with a traditional mangala vadiyam performance, symbolizing a harmonious blend of heritage and ethical progress. PFCI facilitated this donation to recognise the temples’ commitment to abstaining from owning or hiring live elephants, reflecting a broader movement towards cruelty-free religious practices. By integrating technology with tradition, these temples set a precedent for compassionate worship, inspiring others to follow suit.
The temple’s Chief Swamiji, Mettukundu Gnanaveli Siddhar Sri Sankareswarar Swamigal says, “Our faith teaches us that true devotion is expressing compassion. By welcoming this mechanical elephant, Gaja, into our rituals, we honor tradition and the feelings of the gentle beings who desire to be in their jungle homes. This step reflects the spirit of our religion—one that reveres life, love, and kindness for all creatures. Gaja represents more than innovation; it is a sacred step towards a future where no being is made to suffer at the hands of humans. Our religion is rooted in ahimsa, and with this gesture, we hope to set an example: that rituals can thrive not through force, but through love and empathy. Let our worship be as gentle as the elephants we seek to honor.
Arun Prasanna, Founder of PFCI, says, “Introducing mechanical elephants into temple rituals is a meaningful step towards ending the suffering of temple elephants while preserving the sanctity of our cultural and spiritual practices. Gaja showcases that devotion and dignity for all living beings can coexist beautifully.” Arun added, “We are especially inspired by PETA India’s pioneering introduction of mechanical elephants, which encouraged us to bring this change to Tamil Nadu.”
Elephants are intelligent, social wild animals, yet they are often subjected to harsh training methods involving beatings, chaining, and deprivation in temples. Many suffer from severe foot injuries, malnutrition, lack of veterinary care, and the psychological trauma of isolation and confinement. Under such distressing conditions, some elephants become aggressive, leading to tragic outcomes. In Tamil Nadu, several temple-related incidents have highlighted this crisis: in November 2024, the temple elephant Deivanai at the Subramanya Swamy Temple in Tiruchendur fatally attacked and killed her mahout and his relative; in May 2018, Masini, a temple elephant in Trichy, trampled her handler to death during a ritual; and in September 2024, elephant Subbulakshmi at the temple in Kundrakudi died painfully from burn injuries sustained in a fire accident. These heartbreaking incidents reflect the deep suffering of elephants kept in temples and the growing danger to human lives, calling urgently for compassionate, state-of-the-art alternatives that respect both animals and tradition.
Mechanical elephants have emerged as an excellent alternative to living elephants. They are a powerful symbol of how innovation can coexist with compassion in our relationship with the natural world. Increasingly seen in temples, these marvels of human creativity reflect technological progress and a conscious effort to ease the burden on real elephants. The adoption of mechanical elephants is more than a technical solution; it is a meaningful, compassionate shift that honors tradition while helping to end the silent suffering of these majestic beings.
Last year, PFCI offered to donate a similar mechanical elephant to the historic Arulmigu Nachiyar (Andal) Temple in Srivilliputhur, Tamil Nadu. This compassionate gesture was made alongside a formal request to send the temple’s elephant, Jeymalyatha – also known as Joymala – to a reputed sanctuary for rehabilitation and long-term care. Jeymalyatha has been at the center of national concern following multiple reports and video evidence of abuse in captivity, sparking widespread public outcry and demands for her release. However, despite the significance of the offer and growing national attention on Jeymalyatha’s plight, there has been no official response or update from the temple authorities regarding the proposal or the elephant’s welfare.
PFCI is a Chennai-basedNGO established in 2012. Its focus is on preventing illegal cattle trafficking and slaughter and on other important animal protection issues. PFCI has saved the lives of more than 1,000 cattle and other animals. PFCI also distributes water bowls yearly throughout the summer to help birds and other animals quench their thirst. PFCI continues to work closely with authorities, communities, and volunteers to build a more humane and law-abiding society for animals.
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