When technology meets tradition! Mechanical elephant debuts in Indian temple procession, champions compassion in temple rituals
by ShravyaIn a groundbreaking event, Shree Madh Nagalapura Veera Simhasana Matha in Karnataka, southern India, hosted the region’s first-ever mechanical elephant procession on November 25. Held in Kolar district, the procession marked a compassionate shift in traditional temple rituals, highlighting the positive impact of the initiative and its commitment to the safety and well-being of wildlife
Facilitated by CUPA and PETA India, this initiative underscores the growing movement to replace live elephants with lifelike mechanical ones in temple ceremonies.
Visuals from the event showcased the realistic mechanical elephant named Niranjana, whose lifelike movements—including ear flapping—mesmerized devotees. Children enthusiastically pulled the elephant by ropes, bringing cheer and fascination to the gathering. The mechanical elephant’s realism left many unable to distinguish it from a live elephant.
The Matha, which previously hired live elephants, declared its commitment to compassionate practices. Chief Swamiji Shri Tejeshalinga Shivacharya Swamigalu emphasized, “The use of mechanical elephants ensures human safety while allowing real elephants to stay in their natural habitats.”
This procession follows a broader trend initiated earlier this year, with at least ten temples across southern India now using mechanical elephants, inspired by the first donation to a temple in Kerala. Devotees from Karnataka and Tamil Nadu attended the vibrant celebration, hailing it as a step toward ethical and sustainable traditions.