Actor Disha Patani and PETA India Gift Life-Size Mechanical Elephant to Kerala’s Thodathra Kalapattu Sree Bhadrakali Kshetram Temple

For Immediate Release:

14 February 2026

Contact:

Kochi – Renowned actor Disha Patani and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals India (PETA India) have donated a life-size mechanical elephant, Thodathra Kalapattu Devi Dasan, to Thodathra Kalapattu Sree Bhadrakali Kshetram in Kerala’s Thrissur district. Today, supported by the Member of the Legislative Assembly of Kaipamangalam, Sri E.T. Taison Master Ward Member, Smt. Faseela Ashraf; the temple’s Thantri, Sri Babu Shanthi; Rakshadhikari, Yogeshwaran Thodathra; President, Sri Madhu Thodathra; Secretary, Sandhya Devadas Kalapattu; Treasurer, Sri Gireesh Thodathra; and temple devotees, unveiled Thodathra Kalapattu Devi Dasan – a mechanical elephant that will be used to conduct ceremonies at the temple in a safe and cruelty-free manner, helping real elephants stay with their families in the jungle.

The initiative was facilitated by PETA India in recognition of the temple’s compassionate decision to never own or hire live elephants. This new mechanical elephant, Thodathra Kalapattu Devi Dasan, is a landmark twentieth robotic elephant donated to temples in India by PETA India and the eleventh mechanical elephant in Kerala. The mechanical elephant was welcomed through an inauguration ceremony and a Panchvadyam performance.

Photos and video of the inaugural launch are available upon request.

Actor Disha Patani said, “Every act of kindness brings us closer to a more compassionate world. I am very happy that mechanical elephant Thodathra Kalapattu Devi Dasan will now be used for the rituals and celebrations at Thodathra Kalapattu Sree Bhadrakali Kshetram, so traditions can continue with grace and compassion.”

Member of Legislative Assembly of Kaipamangalam Sri E.T. Taison Master said, “Choosing a mechanical elephant is a progressive step that protects both animals and the public. Thodathra Kalapattu Sree Bhadrakali Kshetram has set an inspiring example from Kerala. This compassionate decision ensures safer celebrations while honouring our cultural traditions.”

“It is heartening to witness our community embrace innovation that upholds both devotion and kindness. The introduction of a mechanical elephant ensures that rituals can continue beautifully without causing suffering to living beings”, said Ward Member Smt. Faseela Ashraf.

The President of the temple, Sri Madhu V. said, “Welcoming Thodathra Kalapattu Devi Dasan, the mechanical elephant, into our temple fills our hearts with joy. This special gift will allow us to perform our rituals with devotion, while showing gentle care and respect for all living beings. By embracing this thoughtful innovation, we honour our sacred traditions and celebrate faith, love, and kindness for every creation of God.”

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 chaining to concrete for hours on end. Most are denied adequate food, water, veterinary care, and any semblance of a natural life. Under these hellish conditions, many elephants become intensely frustrated and lash out, sometimes killing mahouts or other humans or animals. According to figures compiled by the Heritage Animal Task Force, captive elephants killed 526 people in Kerala in a 15-year period. Thechikkottukavu Ramachandran, who has been in captivity for about 40 years and is one of the most often used elephants in Kerala’s festival circuit, has reportedly killed 13 individuals – six mahouts, four women, and three elephants.

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.

Sidebar

Donate Now