Do you know there is an ancient temple in Kerala where you can see a life-sized robotic elephant being used for rituals instead of a real one? This elephant, donated by actor Jackie Shroff in partnership with PETA, is a part of an initiative that aims to preserve cultural traditions while protecting elephants from cruelty. Just like a real elephant, this robotic one can swish its tail, move its ears, and even spray water! Here’s where you can catch a glimpse of it!
The Ancient Temple In Kerala Has A Robotic Elephant
The Nediyathali Sri Siva Temple holds great significance for devotees of Lord Shiva. It houses one of the largest Shivlings in Kerala, which faces west. It is also one of the four Thali temples built during the Perumkan dynasty. As per the records of History, King Ramavarma Kulashekara, who ruled between 1090 AD to 1102 AD, once took refuge here when enemies attacked his Kodungallur palace. But do you know, apart from being historically significant, this temple has another fascinating fact?
Instead of using real elephants for its rituals and processions, it now has a life-sized robotic elephant! Yes, you read that right. After taking the decision to stop using live elephants last year, this temple received a robotic one donated by Bollywood veteran actor Jackie Shroff himself. The elephant named Thaleeswaran will now be part of ceremonies in a safe and cruelty-free way at this century-old, Nediyathali Sri Siva Temple in Kerala.
A Life-Sized Robotic Elephant That Can Swish Its Tail!
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According to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, PETA, the temple used to hire live elephants for its rituals. However, last year, the authorities decided to end the practice and no longer own or hire elephants. This is why PETA and Jackie Shroff stepped in with this donation. It is the eleventh mechanical elephant donated to temples by PETA India and the seventh in Kerala. The mechanical elephant was welcomed with a grand inauguration that included a special dance performance.
How Does This Elephant Work?
According to PETA, robotic elephants like Thaleeswaran are three metres tall and weigh around 800 kg. Just like real elephants, they can shake their head, flap their ears, swish their tail, lift their trunk, and even spray water. Made with rubber, fibre, metal, steel, mesh and foam, they run on five motors and are powered by electricity. They can also be climbed upon and moved around during processions.
This year marks a compassionate shift for the Nediyathali Sri Siva Temple, which had previously used live elephants for ceremonies. In a statement on the PETA India website, Jackie Shroff said his heart lights up when he sees God’s creations living happily. He added that elephants are not meant to carry people on their backs or walk in circles with chains. His donation of Thaleeswaran, he said, was an act of devotion.
MP Benny Behanan also praised the initiative. He stated that Thaleeswaran is completely safe and feels like a real elephant. Children can touch it, take photos, and enjoy its presence without any risk.
What do you think of the robotic elephant, Thaleeswaran, in Kerala? We think it’s an amazing initiative that protects elephants while keeping age-old traditions alive.
Cover Image Courtesy: PETA India/ Website
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