Two-Time 2025 Grammy Nominee Anoushka Shankar and PETA India Gift Life-Size Mechanical Elephant to Kombara Sreekrishna Swami Temple in Thrissur
2025 two-time Grammy nominee and sitarist Anoushka Shankar and PETA India have donated a life-size mechanical elephant, Kombara Kannan, to the Kombara Sreekrishna Swami Temple in Thrissur in recognition of the temple’s decision never to own or hire live elephants. Anoushka Shankar was nominated for two awards at the Grammys held on 2nd February 2025 in Los Angeles, US. Kombara Kannan was unveiled by Sri Satish Vimalan, Secretary of Unnayi Variyar Memorial Kalanilayam and 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. Post performing the ‘Nadayiruthal’ ceremony of the mechanical elephant, the temple hosted a Panchari melam performance led by Sri. Kalamandalam Harish Marar.
“I’m elated to join hands with PETA India to donate Kombara Kannan, a marvellous mechanical elephant to the Kombara Sreekrishna Swami Temple. Kombara Kannan struck a chord with the devotees, especially children, as he can perform duties in accordance with the temple’s requirements, but without getting lonely, thirsty, hungry or upset.By bringing mechanical elephants like Kombara Kannan to temples, real elephants can flourish with families in their native habitats.” – Anoushka Shankar
“In honour of our decision to never hire or own a live elephant for our temple rituals and festivals, we are absolutely thrilled to accept Kombara Kannan, a mechanical elephant, from Anoushka Shankar and PETA India. All of God’s creation deserves love and respect.” – Sri Ravi Namboothiri, Kombara Sreekrishna Swami Temple president
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.
PETA India ignited the sympathetic movement of replacing live elephants in temples at the beginning of 2023. Now, at least twelve mechanical elephants are used in temples across south India, of which PETA India was involved with donating seven in recognition of the temples’ decisions to never own or hire live elephants. These mechanical elephants are now used to conduct ceremonies at their temples in a safe and cruelty-free manner, helping real elephants stay with their families in the jungle.
Mechanical elephants are 3-meter-tall and weigh 800 kilograms. They are made with rubber, fiber, 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 and taken through the streets. They are mounted on a wheelbase, allowing them to be moved and pushed around for rituals and processions.
Kombara Sreekrishna Swami Temple in Thrissur is believed to be centuries old. The temple holds immense significance for the local community, serving as a centre for religious and social gatherings. Devotees to the temple seek blessings, inner peace, and to connect with the divine. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Krishna, revered as the playful yet wise eighth avatar of Vishnu. The captivating idol is adorned with intricate clothing and jewellery, leaving devotees mesmerized. The intricate carvings on the temple walls depict scenes from Hindu mythology, adding to the temple’s charm.
