NEW DELHI: Kolar witnessed a groundbreaking event as Shree Madh Nagalapura Veera Simhasana Matha held its first-ever procession featuring a mechanical elephant which is inspired by Niranjana, the life-size animatronic elephant of Yediyur Sri Siddalingeshwara Swamy Temple in Tumkur, Karnataka. This compassionate initiative was facilitated by NGOs Compassion Unlimited Plus Action (CUPA) and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India. Traditionally, the Matha used live elephants for festivals but has now pledged never to own or hire live elephants.
Chief Swamiji, priests, devotees, and followers from Shree Madh Nagalapura Veera Simhasana Matha along with members of CUPA and PETA India celebrated this innovative procession. Devotees from Karnataka and Tamil Nadu participated and witnessed the majestic mechanical elephant in action during the ‘pradakshina’ (procession) of the Math’s annual celebration. Shri Tejeshalinga Shivacharya Swamigalu, the Chief Swamiji, highlighted the shift by stating, “We used to hire live elephants but now there is no need as there are mechanical elephants. The use of mechanical elephants keeps humans safe from attack and allows real elephants to remain in the jungles with their families.”
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Sanober Bharucha, CUPA’s Honorary Secretary &
NEW DELHI: Kolar witnessed a groundbreaking event as Shree Madh Nagalapura Veera Simhasana Matha held its first-ever procession featuring a mechanical elephant which is inspired by Niranjana, the life-size animatronic elephant of Yediyur Sri Siddalingeshwara Swamy Temple in Tumkur, Karnataka. This compassionate initiative was facilitated by NGOs Compassion Unlimited Plus Action (CUPA) and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India. Traditionally, the Matha used live elephants for festivals but has now pledged never to own or hire live elephants.
Chief Swamiji, priests, devotees, and followers from Shree Madh Nagalapura Veera Simhasana Matha along with members of CUPA and PETA India celebrated this innovative procession. Devotees from Karnataka and Tamil Nadu participated and witnessed the majestic mechanical elephant in action during the ‘pradakshina’ (procession) of the Math’s annual celebration. Shri Tejeshalinga Shivacharya Swamigalu, the Chief Swamiji, highlighted the shift by stating, “We used to hire live elephants but now there is no need as there are mechanical elephants. The use of mechanical elephants keeps humans safe from attack and allows real elephants to remain in the jungles with their families.”
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Sanober Bharucha, CUPA’s Honorary Secretary & Trustee, expressed delight, “CUPA is thrilled to work with PETA India to ensure elephants live in their natural jungle homes. We appreciate Shree Madh Nagalapura Veera Simhasana Matha for setting a compassionate example by using a mechanical elephant.”
Khushboo Gupta, PETA India’s Director of Advocacy, added, “PETA India is honored to have facilitated this mechanical elephant for the procession. We urge other temples to consider this humane alternative and contact PETA India for support.”
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Mechanical elephants, introduced by PETA India in 2023 with actor Parvathy Thiruvothu’s support which transformed temple festivities. These 3-meter-tall, 800-kilogram marvels are equipped with motors that replicate real elephants movements and behaviors and offer a cruelty-free alternative. PETA India has donated six of the ten mechanical elephants currently used in South Indian temples.
Shree Madh Nagalapura Veera Simhasana Matha is a revered spiritual center dedicated to Lord Shiva and attracts numerous tourists and devotees annually. The temple’s daily Rudrabhishek and serene atmosphere make it a must-visit for those seeking spiritual solace and cultural enrichment.
This compassionate move not only protects real elephants but also sets a new standard for humane practices in religious celebrations.
