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This Kerala Temple Welcomes A Life-Sized Robotic Elephant Gifted By PETA India & Actor Vedhika; Blend Of Tradition & Wildlife Preservation

This Children's Day, a temple in Kerala welcomed a mechanised elephant named Vadakkumbad Sankaranarayanan.

by Sanjana Shenoy
This Kerala Temple Welcomes A Life-Sized Robotic Elephant Gifted By PETA India & Actor Vedhika; Blend Of Tradition & Wildlife Preservation

On Children’s Day, November 14, this year, a temple in Kerala welcomed a life-sized robotic elephant, much to the delight of children. People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India and actor Vedhika gifted a mechanical elephant to the Edayar Sree Vadakkumbad Shiva Vishnu Temple here. This gift demonstrated a culmination of tradition and wildlife preservation.

Instead Of Real Elephant, Kerala Temple Welcomes Mechanised Jumbo

Taking to its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, PETA India stated that the Edayar Sree Vadakkumbad Shiva Vishnu Temple in Kerala took a vow— to never hire or own elephants. Instead, the temple has welcomed its newest devotee, a life-sized robotic elephant named Vadakkumbad Sankaranarayanan.

The mechanical jumbo set foot in the temple on Children’s Day. It was launched by child actor Sreepath Yan on a special occasion. PETA India stated that the new elephant shall be used in conducting ceremonies at the temples in a safe and cruelty-free manner. In a way, the initiative helps real elephants live with their families in the forest. Interestingly, it’s the fourth elephant to make its way to a temple in Kerala.

Also Read: Why Is Elephant Foot Yam Significant In Diwali And How Is It Linked To Goddess Lakshmi?

Way To Prevent Accidents & Encourage Wildlife Preservation

Actor Vedhika who donated the jumbo with PETA India stated to NDTV that it was an innovative step to conduct temple ceremonies safely without needing real elephants. By embracing change, Vedhika believes, the magnificent creatures can remain and live freely in their natural habitats. Child artist and national award winner Sreepath Yan exclaimed that Vadakkumbad Sankaranarayanan bore a striking resemblance to a real elephant.

To view mechanised temple elephants in Kerala donated by PETA India, you can also visit

  • Irinjadappilly Sree Krishna Temple in Thrissur
  • Thrikkayil Mahadeva Temple in Kochi
  • Pournamikavu Temple in Thiruvananthapuram

The non-profit organisation urged other temples, venues and events using real elephants to switch to mechanised ones. After all, as per the Heritage Animal Task Force, around 526 people in Kerala lost their lives over a 15-year period due to captive elephant attacks. To prevent such accidents, mechanised elephants like Vadakkumbad Sankaranarayanan have entered the temples and hearts of devotees in Kerala.

Also Read: 8 Best Places In The World To Spot Elephants

Did you spot a mechanised elephant at a temple in Kerala?

Cover Image Courtesy: vedhika4u/ Instagram

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First Published: November 15, 2024 4:34 PM