Mangaluru: In a pioneering move, actor Raveena Tandon and her daughter Rasha Thadani, in association with PETA India, have donated a mechanical elephant named Airavata to Moodabidri's 15th century Thousand Pillars Jain Temple.
The temple, also known as the Jain Kashi of South India , thus becomes the first Jain shrine in the world to adopt such technology, vowing never to own or hire live elephants.
Unveiled amidst the Silver Jubilee of the Swamiji's Pattabhisheka, the majestic Airavata, standing three metres high and weighing 800 kilograms , has been meticulously designed to replicate the gestures of a living elephant, from swaying its trunk to flapping its ears. It will now preside over temple ceremonies and processions, allowing the committee to uphold tradition without compromising compassion.
Raveena expressed, “I feel truly blessed to be part of this sacred transformation. Elephants have always held a special place in my heart, and offering Airavata, a mechanical elephant, to the Jain temple is my humble way to honour timeless traditions while keeping elephant families together.”
Rasha Thadani stated, “It fills me with peace to know that we can uphold our culture without separating mother elephants from calves. I pray that Airavata inspires many to walk the path of kindness. After all, compassion is the purest form of religious observance.”
His Holiness Swasthi Sri Dr Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Pattacharya Maha Swamiji extolled the initiative stating, “Welcoming Airavata into this sacred space fills my heart with immense happiness. We are reminded of Parasparopagraho Jivanam, the beautiful Jain principle that all life is interconnected and nourished through mutual care.”
The Swamiji added, “This offering brings together the soul of our tradition and the spirit of compassion. I hope Airavata touches every devotee’s heart, inspires a deeper journey towards kindness, humility, and spiritual awakening, and gently leads us all on that radiant path of ahimsa and harmony.”
PETA India has introduced around 20 such elephants in South Indian temples since 2023, including one recently donated in Tamil Nadu by actor Trisha Krishnan.
