Daijiworld Media Network - Kerala

Kerala, Feb 20: Two robotic elephants developed by Voices for Asian Elephants Society were ceremonially unveiled at temples in Alappuzha district, offering what organisers describe as a humane alternative to the use of captive elephants in rituals and processions.

A robotic elephant named Neelamkulangara Vishnudasan was unveiled at the Panavally Neelamkulangara Sree Narayana Vilasam Sree Maha Vishnu Temple on Thursday. On the same day, another mechanical elephant, Omkareswaram Rama Senapathy, was introduced at the Omkareswaram Sree Rama Subrahmanya Temple.

According to a release, both elephants entered their respective temples amid traditional music, rituals and vibrant celebrations, preserving sacred pageantry while eliminating the risks associated with live captive elephants.

Members of the organisation said the initiative allows temples to uphold age-old traditions without exposing elephants to stress, suffering or potential public safety hazards.

Sangita Iyer, Founder and Managing Director of the Voices for Asian Elephants Society, said the move comes at a time of increasing concern over the welfare of captive elephants. Referring to recent incidents, including a stampede involving Thechikkottukavu Ramachandran and the death of a mahout in a separate case, she underlined the need for reform.

Standing 10 feet tall and weighing around 500 kilograms, the robotic elephants are crafted from fibre and rubber for a lifelike appearance. Their eyes, ears, trunk and tail move electronically, and they can safely carry up to four people during rituals and processions.

The installations were designed by Four He-Arts Creations in Chalakudy under artist Prasanth Prakash. With these additions, the society has now commissioned four robotic elephants as part of its broader effort to promote cruelty-free temple traditions.