The Irinjadappilly Sree Krishna Temple in Thrissur district, Kerala, has become the first temple in India to use a robotic elephant for its rituals instead of a live one. This move marks a significant step towards promoting cruelty-free ceremonies and supporting the rehabilitation of real elephants in forests, who are subjected to abuse and neglect in captivity.
Introduction
The Irinjadappilly Sree Krishna Temple in Kerala has made history by being the first temple in India to use a mechanical, lifelike elephant for its rituals. The move is a step towards ending the use of live elephants in religious ceremonies, where they are often subjected to abuse and neglect. The robotic elephant, named Irinjadappilly Raman, was gifted to the temple by animal rights organization People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India.
The Use of a Robotic Elephant in Rituals
Irinjadappilly Raman is a four-tonne, eight-feet-tall mechanical elephant that moves its trunk, head, and ears, and even sprays water like a real elephant. The robot has been designed by Thiruvananthapuram-based engineer KM Shankar, who spent over a year building the lifelike model.
The temple authorities have welcomed the use of a mechanical elephant, saying it would promote cruelty-free rituals and support the rehabilitation and life of real elephants in forests. They said that the robot elephant has been made using eco-friendly materials and would not cause harm to the environment.
The Move towards Ending Elephant Abuse in India
Elephant abuse has been a long-standing issue in India, where elephants are often subjected to inhumane treatment in captivity. Elephants are widely used in religious ceremonies, festivals, and tourist attractions, and they are often forced to work in harsh conditions, subjected to physical abuse, and deprived of proper food and medical care.
Importance
According to animal rights activists, the use of live elephants in religious ceremonies and festivals is particularly harmful to the animals. The loud noises, bright lights, and crowds of people can cause the elephants stress and anxiety, and they are often subjected to physical abuse to make them perform tricks or carry heavy loads.
To address this issue, animal rights organizations in India have been campaigning for an end to the use of live elephants in ceremonies and festivals. They have been advocating for the use of mechanical elephants and other alternatives, such as cultural performances and flower decorations, instead.