Temple turns to technology as Robotic elephant replaces live animal in rituals

Devotion met technology at the Sri Sakthi Vinayagar Temple in Tamil Nadu on Monday with the unveiling of a life-size robotic elephant intended to replace live elephants used in temple rituals. The initiative was supported by actor Sonu Sood , his son Ayaan, PETA India , and People for Cattle in India, marking a step toward ending the use of captive elephants in religious ceremonies.

The mechanical elephant, named Airavatham after Lord Indra’s mythical white elephant in Hindu mythology , stands three metres tall, weighs about 500 kg , and is made of fiberglass on a mobile wheelbase. It can move its head and trunk, swish its tail and spray water, replicating gestures traditionally associated with temple elephants. The unveiling ceremony took place amid Chenda Melam and Nadaswaram performances .

In South Indian temples, elephants are commonly used during festivals and special poojas for ceremonial blessings and processions , symbolising Lord Ganesha. Animal welfare groups, however, have long warned that such practices expose elephants to chains, loud music, crowds and extreme weather , causing stress and safety risks.

Temple authorities said the robotic elephant will now serve in ritual blessings, festivals and symbolic appearances , allowing traditions to continue without involving live animals. The model was developed by a private fabrication unit in coordination with PETA India and can be replicated for other temples, making large-scale adoption possible .

This is the 21st robotic elephant installed by PETA India nationwide and the second in Tamil Nadu . Sonu Sood said spirituality must be rooted in compassion, while Ayaan noted that the initiative allows real elephants to remain in forests with their herds.

Temple chairman S. S. Murugan said the shrine has committed to never owning or hiring live elephants , describing the move as a balance between devotion and modern ethics.