Actor Richa Chadha, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals India (PETA India), and Compassion Unlimited Plus Action (CUPA) have donated a life-size mechanical elephant, Neela Prabha, to Shri Chayadevi Shri Shanaishwara Swamy Kshetra, Bengaluru. Yesterday, Neela Prabha was unveiled by businessman and philanthropist, Shri Dhayananda R, along with Renukeshwara MR, Chairman of Fabcare & Façade, temple officials, and devotees.
The initiative was facilitated by PETA India and CUPA in recognition of the temple’s compassionate decision to never own or hire live elephants. This new mechanical elephant, Neela Prabha, marks the 28th robotic elephant donation facilitated by PETA India across the country and the 9th donation in Karnataka. The mechanical elephant was welcomed through an inauguration ceremony followed by a cultural performance and soulful bhajans.
Actor Richa Chadha said, “I am pleased to collaborate with PETA India in presenting Neela Prabha to Shri Chayadevi Shri Shanaishwara Swamy Kshetra, Bengaluru. This mechanical elephant will help preserve the temple’s age-old traditions while ensuring that real elephants are spared from captivity and can thrive in their natural surroundings. It is particularly meaningful for me to be associated with this initiative in Bangalore, a city known for its rich culture and heritage.
Temple administrator Adityanan said “Temples have long served as centres of spiritual guidance and social progress. The arrival of Neela Prabha demonstrates that cultural practices can evolve in ways that reflect kindness and responsibility. I am delighted to be part of this occasion and hope this initiative encourages more institutions to adopt compassionate practices that protect elephants from a lifetime of captivity.”
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.
Mechanical elephants are 3-meter-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.
Shri Chayadevi Shri Shanaishwara Swamy Kshetra is one of Bengaluru’s well-known spiritual centers dedicated to Lord Shani and attracts devotees from across Karnataka and beyond. The temple is regarded as an important place of worship for those seeking relief from hardships and blessings for prosperity, justice, and well-being.