Kerala temple introduces mechanical elephant for performing rituals

Thrissur: A temple in Kerala engages a mechanical elephant, looking exactly like the one you see in real life, to perform ceremonial rituals.

The Irinjadappilly Sri Krishna Temple in Kerala's Thrissur district sets an example after PETA India gifted it the elephant with the support of actor Parvathy Thiruvothu, India Today reported.

Named as Irinjadapilly Raman, the 10-and-a half feet elephant weighs 800 kg which can carry around 4 people.

The mechanical elephant will give the feeling of having a real-life animal at the temple as its head, eyes, mouth, ears and tail all work on electricity.

The mechanical elephant was brought in after the temple authorities decided against keeping or hiring any animal for ritual in the temple.

PETA India responded favouralbly to the temple’s decision gifting a robotic animal that can mimic the real-life animal.

On Sunday, Irinjadappilly Raman's was ceremonially inducted in the temple followed by required rituals called “Nadayiruthal" .

PETA India, in a statement, said, "The frustration of captivity leads elephants to develop and display abnormal behaviour. At their wit's end, frustrated elephants often snap and try to break free, running amok and so harming humans, other animals, and property.”

In 15-year period captive animals killed 526 people in Kerala, PETA India said adding that the chikkattukavu Ramachandran, a captive elephant of 40 years, used in Kerala's festivals, has reportedly killed 13 individuals- six mahouts, four women, and three elephants.

PETA India appealed oraganisers of temple festivals to switch to life-like mechanical elephants or other means.