Moodbidri Jain Basadi unveils first mechanical elephant ‘Airavata’

Moodbidri Jain Basadi unveils first mechanical elephant ‘Airavata’

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Aug 31, 2025: The historic Tribhuvana Tilaka Chudamani Basadi, popularly known as the thousand-pillar Jain temple in Moodbidri, has become the first temple in the Mangaluru region — and the world’s first Jain temple — to introduce a life-size mechanical elephant. The unique addition, named Airavata, was unveiled at the basadi on Friday.

 

The mechanical elephant, capable of moving its head, ears, eyes, and trunk, swishing its tail, spraying water, and carrying devotees, was gifted by actor Raveena Tandon, her daughter Rasha Thadani and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India.

The gift marked the silver jubilee of the pattabhisheka of Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Pattacharya Panditacharyavarya, seer of the Moodbidri Jain Mutt. It was presented in recognition of the temple’s policy of never owning or hiring live elephants.

“This offering brings together the soul of our tradition and the spirit of compassion,” the seer said, highlighting the Jain principle Parasparopagraho Jivanam — that all life is interconnected. He expressed hope that Airavata would inspire devotees towards kindness, humility and ahimsa.

The unveiling ceremony concluded with a traditional Mangala Vadhyam performance.

According to PETA India, more than 20 mechanical elephants are now being used in temples across South India, 12 of which have been donated by the organisation. The initiative follows rising concerns over captive elephant abuse and accidents — in 2025 alone, captive elephants in Kerala killed six people and injured several others.