Temple in Kerala sets example by introducing ‘mechanical elephant’ to honour tradition and preserve wildlife
Inspired by the Irinjadappilly Sri Krishna Temple in Thrissur, the temple trustees collaborated with PETA to bring Sankaranarayan to Kannur
In a significant initiative to balance tradition and wildlife welfare, the Edayar Sree Vadakkumbad Shiva Vishnu Temple in Kannur, Kerala, has introduced ‘Vadakumbada Sankaranarayan’, a mechanical elephant intended to replace live elephants in temple ceremonies. The three-metre-tall and 800-kg mechanical elephant will be unveiled by Kolyad Grampanchayat president Riji M. on Thursday (November 14).

Temple trustee K.E. Manoj said the temple stopped using live elephants in festivals decades ago, citing rising costs, legal challenges, and safety concerns. Inspired by the Irinjadappilly Sri Krishna Temple in Thrissur, the temple trustees collaborated with PETA to bring Sankaranarayan to Kannur, marking a shift away from the longstanding tradition of using live elephants.