Robotic elephants spark debate over tradition and animal welfare in India’s Hindu temples

CHALAKUDY, India – Life-size robotic elephants are drawing growing attention across India’s southern state of Kerala as Hindu temples increasingly adopt the animatronic animals in place of live elephants, fueling debate between animal welfare advocates and traditionalists over the future of centuries-old religious practices.

The fiberglass-and-steel robotic elephants, designed with flapping ears, swishing tails, moving eyes and water-spraying trunks, have been donated to dozens of temples by animal rights organizations, including PETA India, as an alternative to using captive elephants during religious rituals and festivals, according to the Associated Press (AP).

PETA India and other nonprofit organizations have donated around 40 robotic elephants to temples across the country. Each unit costs approximately $6,000 and is intended to reduce the risks associated with keeping captive elephants while preserving ceremonial traditions.

Mechanical engineer Prasanth Prakashan, who builds the life-sized animatronic elephants in Kerala, acknowledged that the machines cannot fully replicate real elephants but said his team strives to preserve the animals’ majestic presence.

“You can’t create an original elephant just as you cannot duplicate a human,” Prakashan told AP. “But we try to capture the majestic animal’s essence as much as we can.”

Although the current models cannot walk, Prakashan said he is continuing to develop that capability.

The initiative has won praise from animal welfare organizations that have long campaigned against the use of captive elephants in festivals, citing concerns over animal cruelty and public safety.

According to PETA India, captive elephants used in temple ceremonies are often required to stand for long periods in extreme heat amid large crowds, loud drums and fireworks, conditions that can cause severe stress. The organization said stressed elephants can become unpredictable and dangerous. In 2024, nine people were reportedly killed in elephant-related incidents during temple festivals in Kerala.

Despite stricter regulations, Kerala still has nearly 400 captive elephants, representing a significant share of India’s estimated 2,500 captive elephants. The number has reportedly declined by about half since 2010.

The use of elephants has deep cultural and religious significance throughout South Asia. In Hinduism, elephants are revered as sacred animals associated with Ganesha, while in Buddhism they symbolize wisdom, patience and enlightenment. Kerala’s temple festivals are internationally known for elaborate elephant processions, particularly the annual Thrissur Pooram, where around 100 decorated elephants traditionally participate.

The Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple, one of India’s most prominent Hindu temples, also maintains nearly 50 elephants and hosts annual events including an elephant race and ceremonial feeding rituals.

Several temple elephants have achieved celebrity status. One of the most famous, Thechikkottukavu Ramachandran, has attracted a large social media following, while the late Guruvayur Keshavan, who died in 1976, has been honored with a life-sized memorial statue and inspired films and television productions.

Supporters of robotic elephants argue that religious rituals can continue without exposing animals or devotees to unnecessary risks.

At the Irinjadapilly Sree Krishna Temple, which received Prakashan’s first robotic elephant in 2023, head priest Rajkumar Namboothiri said ancient tantric texts governing temple rituals do not specifically require live elephants. He said the tradition evolved centuries ago when elephants formed part of royal processions and military cavalries.

Namboothiri added that today’s urban environment, marked by heavy traffic, concrete development, heat and noise, is unsuitable for elephants.

Temple administrators have also cited economic benefits. Maintaining live elephants involves substantial expenses, including food, veterinary care, handlers and liability insurance. Some believe robotic elephants offer a safer and more affordable alternative, particularly for smaller temples.

K.I. Purushottaman, president of the Cheekamundi Sri Mahavishnu Temple in Thrissur, told AP that acquiring a robotic elephant has eased concerns over the possibility of fatal attacks during temple events.

Others, however, insist that live elephants remain an essential part of religious tradition.

Elephant owner K. Mahesh, who rents his elephant for temple festivals each year, argued that elephants are sacred and cannot be replaced by machines. He described his elephant as a member of his family and maintained that properly cared-for animals continue to bring spiritual value to religious celebrations.

Artist Sooraj Nambiat, who collaborated on developing the robotic elephants, said he has faced criticism from some temple communities but believes the innovation is necessary to reduce the commercial exploitation of elephants.

Wildlife biologist P.S. Easa, who helped draft Kerala’s captive elephant regulations, said stronger protections have produced some improvements but acknowledged that enforcing the rules remains difficult. He noted that economic interests continue to drive the use of elephants in religious tourism.

While robotic elephants remain controversial, their growing adoption reflects an evolving conversation in India over balancing cultural traditions with animal welfare and public safety. Whether they will eventually become widely accepted in temple rituals remains uncertain, but the technology is increasingly challenging long-standing practices that have defined Kerala’s religious festivals for generations.