Home / Lifestyle / ISKCON Temple in Navi Mumbai Adopts Mechanical Elephant to Protect Real Ones
ISKCON Temple in Navi Mumbai Adopts Mechanical Elephant to Protect Real Ones
10 Nov
Summary
- ISKCON temple in Kharghar, Maharashtra receives mechanical elephant from Hema Malini and PETA
- First religious institution in Maharashtra to use a mechanical elephant instead of a live one
- Mechanical elephant allows ISKCON to honor traditions while upholding non-violence principles
On November 10, 2025, the ISKCON temple in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai made a significant move to protect real elephants by adopting a life-size mechanical elephant. This initiative, facilitated by PETA India, is the first of its kind for a religious institution in the state of Maharashtra.
The mechanical elephant was gifted to ISKCON Kharghar by actor and Member of Parliament Hema Malini, a longtime devotee of Lord Krishna and an animal lover. The temple's president, Shri Sura Das, expressed that this decision aligns with the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and ISKCON's founder Srila Prabhupada, who emphasized the importance of compassion towards all living beings.
By embracing the mechanical elephant, ISKCON Kharghar aims to honor their traditions while upholding the principle of ahimsa, or non-violence. This innovative approach allows the temple to continue its ceremonies and rituals without exploiting real elephants, which are often kept in poor captive conditions.
The mechanical marvel was welcomed through an inauguration ceremony, and ISKCON Kharghar hosted a kirtan performance to celebrate this milestone. This initiative sets an example for the world, showcasing how faith and technology can work together to protect animals and preserve cultural traditions.
