In a move that raises questions about selective activism, PETA India, along with sitarist Anoushka Shankar, has donated a life-size mechanical elephant named Kombara Kannan to the Kombara Sreekrishna Swami Temple in Thrissur. This donation comes in recognition of the temple’s decision to never own or hire live elephants, a tradition deeply rooted in Kerala’s temple culture.
Unveiled by Satish Vimalan, Secretary of Unnayi Variyar Memorial Kalanilayam, the mechanical elephant will now be used in temple ceremonies. Despite claims of being “cruelty-free,” this initiative reflects PETA’s continued pattern of targeting Hindu festivals and rituals, while conveniently ignoring practices in other religious contexts.
These mechanical elephants stand 3 meters tall and have a weight of 800 kilograms. Constructed using materials like rubber, fiber, metal, mesh, foam, and steel, they operate with the help of five motors. Designed to closely resemble real elephants in appearance and functionality, they can move their heads, flap their ears, blink their eyes, swish their tails, raise their trunks, and even spray water. They are sturdy enough to be climbed on, with the option to attach a seat on their backs. Powered by electricity, they function with a plug-and-play mechanism and can be maneuvered through streets, thanks to their wheelbase, making them useful for rituals and processions.
Anoushka Shankar expressed her delight, stating that mechanical elephants like Kombara Kannan will help real elephants “flourish with families in their native habitats.” The temple president, Sri Ravi Namboothiri, echoed similar sentiments. However, critics argue that such interventions by PETA undermine religious sentiments, treating centuries-old rituals as disposable in the name of modernity.
#WATCH | Thrissur, Kerala: Sitarist Anoushka Shankar and PETA India donated a life-size mechanical elephant, Kombara Kannan, to the Kombara Sreekrishna Swami Temple in Thrissur, to conduct ceremonies without using real elephants. pic.twitter.com/Q3m5rtn1jS
— ANI (@ANI) February 6, 2025
Since 2023, PETA has actively promoted the replacement of live elephants with mechanical ones in temples across South India, with at least 12 such donations so far—seven directly facilitated by PETA. Interestingly, this fervor for animal rights seems to apply selectively, sparking debates about the organization’s consistent focus on Hindu traditions while remaining conspicuously silent on similar issues in other religious practices.
The Kombara Sreekrishna Swami Temple, a centuries-old spiritual hub, continues to be a symbol of Kerala’s vibrant temple heritage. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Krishna. The intricate carvings on the temple walls depict scenes from Hindu puranas, adding to the temple’s charm.
PETA has often targeted traditional Hindu practices, such as the use of elephants in temples and festivals like Jallikattu, while largely ignoring similar practices in other religions. For example, while campaigning against animal sacrifices during Hindu festivals, PETA has been accused of turning a blind eye to the mass slaughter of animals during Bakrid or similar practices in other communities.
