ISKCON Pandharpur Sri Sri Radha Pandharinatha Mandir Unveils Life-Size Mechanical Elephant, Airavata—First of its Kind to Participate in for Sri Jagannatha Ratha Yatra—Gifted by PETA India

On the auspicious occasion of the Vyasa Puja of H.H. Lokanath Swami Maharaja ji celebrated annually on Ashadhi Ekadashi, PETA India donated a life-size mechanical elephant named Airavata to Sri Sri Radha Pandharinatha Mandir (ISKCON Pandharpur). Airavata was unveiled in the presence of H.H Lokanath Swami, Zonal Secretary of ISKCON Maharashtra; Pranita Bhalke, Mayor of Pandharpur Municipal Council; Sri Krishna Chaitanya Swami Maharaja, Minister of ISKCON Kirtana and Padayatra Ministry; Sahasranam Dasa, Pandharpur Zonal Secretary Assistant; Prahlad Dasa, President of ISKCON Pandharpur; Paramatma Dasa, Fundraising Director of BhuVaikuntha Pandharpur project; temple officials and devotees.

Following the inauguration ceremony, Airavata joined the Jagannatha Ratha at ISKCON Pandharpur. The Yatra was joined by Jaykumar Gore, Maharashtra’s Cabinet Minister for Rural Development, and Panchayati Raj and Solapur District Palak Mantri; Pandharpur Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA); Prashantrao Paricharak, Pandharpur ex-MLA; alongwith thousands of devotees taking part in the procession.

The mechanical elephant, Airavata, marks the 29^th robotic elephant donation facilitated by PETA India across the country, the 2^nd mechanical elephant in Maharashtra, and the 3^rd at an ISKCON in recognition of the temples’ compassionate decision to never own or hire live elephants. The mechanical elephant was welcomed through an inauguration ceremony and a soulful kirtan.

“True spirituality is reflected not only in our prayers, but also in the compassion we extend to every living being. The introduction of Airavata at ISKCON Pandharpur beautifully demonstrates that our sacred traditions can evolve while preserving their essence. This initiative is a meaningful reminder that devotion and kindness are inseparable, and I congratulate PETA India and the ISKCON Pandharpur authorities for setting an example that inspires both faith and humanity.”

– Pranita Bhalke, Mayor of Pandharpur

“Lord Krishna teaches us to see every living being with love, care, and respect. Welcoming Airavata to ISKCON Pandharpur is a small but meaningful way of putting that teaching into practice. A temple is not only a place of worship, but also a place where compassion should be lived and expressed through our actions. When we care for and protect the creatures of this world, we are also showing our respect for Krishna, who is the well wisher of all living beings. I hope this initiative will inspire everyone to care for and protect elephants, and to treat all of Krishna’s creatures with kindness, compassion, and love.”

– His Holiness Lokanath Swami Maharaja, Zonal Secretary of ISKCON Maharashtra

“We are delighted to welcome Airavata to Sri Sri Radha Pandharinatha Mandir. This addition allows devotees to celebrate our festivals in a way that is joyful, dignified, and compassionate. The use of a mechanical elephant helps us preserve the spirit of our traditions while avoiding any harm to living elephants. It is a thoughtful step that reflects the values of care, responsibility, and reverence for all life. I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation to PETA India for this thoughtful donation. Airavata’s presence will be a constant reminder to honour all forms of life.”

– Prahlad Dasa, President of ISKCON Pandharpur

Elephants are intelligent, active, and gregarious wild animals. In captivity, they are trained to be used in processions through beatings, the use of weapons and force. Most elephants held captive in temples and other places suffer from excruciating foot problems and leg wounds due to being chained to concrete for hours on end. Most are denied adequate food, water, veterinary care, and any semblance of a natural life. Under these difficult conditions, many elephants become intensely frustrated and lash out, often killing mahouts or other humans or animals.

Mechanical elephants are 3 meters tall and weigh 500 kilograms. They are made with rubber, fibre, metal, mesh, foam, and steel and run on five motors. A mechanical elephant looks, feels, and can be used like a real elephant. It can shake its head, move its ears and eyes, swish its tail, lift its trunk, and even spray water. They can be climbed upon, and a seat can be affixed on the back. They can be operated simply by plugging and playing with electricity. They can be taken through the streets and are mounted on a wheelbase, allowing them to be moved and pushed around for rituals and processions.

ISKCON Pandharpur is a revered centre of Krishna devotion that welcomes thousands of pilgrims from India and abroad each year. The introduction of Airavata reflects the temple’s commitment to preserving cherished traditions while embracing kindness and compassion towards all living beings.