PETA Donates a Robotic Elephant to Kombara Shri Krishna Swamy Temple in Thrissur (Kerala)

PETA’s Targeted Attacks on Hindu Festivals, Traditions

(PETA, or ‘People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals,’ claims to work for the ethical treatment of animals.)

A full-sized robotic elephant named ‘Kombara Kannan’ to the Kombara Shri Krishna Swamy Temple in Thrissur gifted by PETA

Thrissur (Kerala) – In the name of animal welfare, PETA India, which selectively targets Hindu religious practices, has donated a full-sized robotic elephant named ‘Kombara Kannan’ to the Kombara Shri Krishna Swamy Temple in Thrissur. This mechanical elephant will now be used in temple ceremonies. While PETA claims this initiative promotes cruelty-free alternatives, critics argue that it continues PETA’s pattern of ignoring other religious customs while exclusively targeting Hindu festivals and rituals.

Key Points :

1. PETA claims that this donation honors the temple’s decision to never own or rent live elephants, a tradition deeply rooted in Kerala’s temple culture.

2. SitaristAnoushka Shankar expressed her support, stating, “Mechanical elephants like ‘Kombara Kannan’ will help real elephants thrive in their natural habitat with their families.”

3. Critics argue that such interventions by PETA hurt Hindu religious sentiments, portraying age-old rituals as outdated in the name of modernity.

Credits : OTV News English

4. PETA’s enthusiasm for animal rights seems highly selective. The organization consistently targets Hindu traditions while remaining silent on similar practices in other religions.

5. Kombara Shri Krishna Swamy Temple, an ancient spiritual center, is a symbol of Kerala’s vibrant temple heritage, with Shrikrushna as its presiding deity.

6. PETA actively opposes traditional Hindu practices such as using elephants in temples and festivals like Jallikattu but conveniently overlooks similar customs in other religions. For example, while it campaigns against animal sacrifices during Hindu festivals, PETA has been accused of ignoring the slaughter practices associated with Bakri Eid.