The devotees were wondered to see life-size mechanical elephant gifted by Shikhar Dhawan
Shikhar Dhawan gifts life-size mechanical elephant to a mutt in Karnataka
Mechanical elephant is equipped with motors to mimic real elephant movements, including head shakes, ear and eye movement, tail swishing.
Kolar
Former Indian cricketer, Shikhar Dhawan, along with PETA India and Compassion Unlimited Plus Action (CUPA), has donated a life-size mechanical elephant named Lingareshwara to Srimad Nagalapura Veersimhasana Samsthana Mutt in Kolar district.
The unveiling ceremony was attended by prominent dignitaries including Kolar MLA Kothur G Manjunath, Chikkaballapura and Kolar MLC Anil Kumar, former MP and Karnataka Labour Minister B N Bachegowda, Mutt heads Tejeshalinga Shivacharya Swami, Shivananda Shivacharya Swami, Trinetra Mahant Shivayogi Swami, Mahant Shivacharya Swami, and devotees from across Karnataka.
The mechanical elephant will be used for temple rituals and processions in a cruelty-free manner, ensuring that real elephants remain free in the wild with their families. This initiative highlights the Matha’s decision to stop owning or hiring live elephants, a step applauded by animal welfare organisations.
Shikhar Dhawan, known for his advocacy for wildlife protection, said, “I have always believed in conserving our wildlife and maintaining ecological balance. Supporting the mechanical Lingarajeshwara allows our traditions to continue without compromising animal welfare.”
Tejeshalinga Shivacharya Swami expressed delight, stating, “traditions must evolve for the safety of devotees and elephants. The mechanical elephant allows us to respect all sacred beings while continuing our rituals.”
Mechanical elephants like Lingarajeshwara are 3 meters tall, weigh 800 kilograms, and are equipped with motors to mimic real elephant movements, including head shakes, ear and eye movement, tail swishing, and trunk spraying. They can be mounted for processions, making temple celebrations safe and sustainable.
PETA India and CUPA have previously donated mechanical elephants to six temples in Karnataka, promoting humane alternatives in religious ceremonies.