Will robotic elephants be used in rituals at Alappuzha temples in Kerala, why are there plans to replace them with real pachyderms?
Alappuzha: Voices for Asian Elephants (VFAES) has unveiled life-size robotic elephants at two temples in Kerala's Alappuzha district. This is the first time temples in the district have replaced live elephants with robotic elephants.
This is the first time a non-profit organization has unveiled two robotic elephants on the same day in the same district in Kerala. Named "Neelamkulangara Vishnudasan" and "Omkareshwaram Rama Senapathy," the robotic elephants were welcomed with traditional music and rituals at the Panavalli Neelamkulangara Sri Narayana Vilasam Sri Maha Vishnu Kshetram Temple and the Omkareshwaram Sri Rama Subrahmanya Temple, respectively.
This initiative comes amid a growing number of elephant-related tragedies at Kerala's festivals. This eliminates the risks and suffering associated with live elephant performances and preserves the grandeur and sanctity of temple festivals.
20 captive elephants died in just ten months
According to the report, at least 20 captive elephants died in just ten months, between March 1, 2025, and January 2, 2026, an average of two deaths per month. The festival has raised public concern about the welfare and safety of elephants.
Recurring tragedies
One of the most high-profile recent incidents involved the famous elephant "Thechikkottukkavu Ramachandran," whose stampede resulted in the deaths and injuries of several people. In another incident this month, an elephant attack killed a mahout. Sangeeta Iyer, founder and managing director of VFAES, said these recurring tragedies underscore the urgent need for reform.
Elephants dying in captivity during their prime breeding years
Ms. Iyer emphasized that elephants are dying in captivity during their prime breeding years, while in the wild they lead herds. He said, "True devotion requires non-violence in both thought and action." He added that sponsoring robotic elephants is a way for temples to protect both human life and the dignity of elephants.
Robotic elephants stand ten feet tall
These robotic elephants, standing ten feet tall and weighing approximately 500 kilograms, are made of fiber and rubber. Their eyes, ears, trunk, and tail movements are electronically controlled.
Can safely carry four people during rituals
They can safely carry four people during rituals and processions. P.R. Purushan, chairman of the advisory committee of the Panavalli Neelamkulangara Temple, said the temple decided to eliminate both elephants and fireworks, prioritizing safety and ethics.
N.R. Surendran, chairman of the Omkareshwaram Temple, said the collaboration enables the temple to maintain sacred traditions without compromising compassion.
Traditions can evolve without cruelty
This achievement builds on previous successes, including the deployment of the state's first robotic elephant at the Sri Sankaran Kovil in Tamil Nadu and another elephant at the Chakkamparambu Sri Bhagavathy Temple. Temple officials and activists say the growing popularity of robotic elephants shows that traditions can evolve without cruelty.