Kerala temple to welcome 800-kg robotic elephant that can carry 4 people on its back

Kanhangad: A new attraction is set to become part of the festivities at a temple in Kerala's Kasaragod district, which is preparing to welcome an 800-kg robotic elephant named ‘Gurupuram Arjunan’.

The robotic elephant will be ceremonially welcomed at the Gurupuram Sree Mahavishnu Temple in Kanhangad at 10 am on August 25, Uthradam day, temple committee members said.

Designed to resemble a real elephant, Gurupuram Arjunan can carry up to four people on its back. It moves on wheels and is designed to flap its ears and raise its trunk, much like a live elephant.

The robotic elephant, estimated to cost around Rs 5 lakh, is being gifted to the temple by PETA India and actor Richa Chadha as part of efforts to promote animal rights.

Temple tantri (priest) Iravile Krishnadas Vazhunavar will name the elephant during the ceremony. The tantri has taken the initiative to organise the ceremonial welcome of the robotic elephant.

The Uthradam celebrations will also include a felicitation for Savithri K. Meengoth, who received the state Agriculture Department’s ‘Karshaka Thilakam’ award. A traditional chenda melam, led by well-known artists from the district, will also be held.

A kazhchakkula (plantain bunch) offering will be made at the temple on Uthradam morning.

Located along the Kanhangad-Panathur State Highway, the temple is currently undergoing renovation. Construction of the temple auditorium, which can accommodate around 1,500 people, is in its final stage. The temple’s covered walkway (nadapanthal) and granite flooring have also been completed.