The non-profit organization People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India, in collaboration with actor Priyamani, has donated a life-size mechanical elephant to the Thrikkayil Mahadeva Temple in Kochi. This initiative follows the temple’s decision to refrain from owning or hiring live elephants for their ceremonies.
Named Mahadevan, the mechanical elephant will be utilized to conduct temple ceremonies in a safe and cruelty-free manner, as stated in a release by PETA on Sunday. Notably, this marks the introduction of the second mechanical elephant in Kerala.
An inaugural ceremony took place at the temple on Sunday, accompanied by a vibrant chenda melam performance by Master Vedharth Raman and his band, followed by a panchavadyam by Venu Marrar and his band, as detailed in the release. Priyamani emphasized the significance of leveraging technological advancements to preserve cultural practices while ensuring animal welfare.
Expressing gratitude for the donation, Thekkiniyedath Vallabhan Namboothiri, the owner of Thrikkayil Mahadeva Temple, highlighted their commitment to using Mahadevan as a symbolic gesture to honor all animals and their right to live freely and safely with their families.
This initiative aligns with a broader trend of temples in Kerala moving towards cruelty-free practices. Last year, Irinjadappilly Sree Krishna Temple in Thrissur district made history by introducing a robotic elephant for temple rituals, signaling a shift away from using live animals in festivities.
The introduction of Mahadevan underscores the importance of embracing innovative solutions to uphold cultural traditions while prioritizing animal welfare. With such initiatives gaining momentum, it reflects a positive step towards fostering compassion and respect for all living beings in society.
