Trisha Gifts Mechanical Elephant to Temple, Shocks Tamil Nadu Devotees

Trisha, known more for her glamorous screen presence than temple talk, surprised everyone with a gesture that was equal parts bold, thoughtful, and future-ready. At the Sri Ashtalinga Adisesha Selvavinayakar Temple in Aruppukottai, Tamil Nadu, the actress donated a massive mechanical elephant named ‘Gaja’. Partnering with People for Cattle India (PFCI), Trisha turned a regular temple day into a moment of curiosity and conversation. With traditional drums and nadaswaram echoing in the background, Gaja rolled in—not trumpeting, but turning heads.

Real elephants, once central to temple processions, have long been part of cultural celebrations. But times are changing. Concerns about the well-being of animals, especially in loud, crowded rituals, have led to growing calls for alternatives. Trisha's gift isn’t just symbolic—it’s a clear stance. A mechanical elephant doesn’t tire, doesn’t panic, and doesn’t suffer. It brings the same visual grandeur without the ethical dilemma. Temples in Kerala have already taken this step, and now Tamil Nadu follows with Trisha’s push.

The elephant, standing 11 feet tall and weighing around 800 kg, isn’t just for show. It’s functional too. Made at a cost of around ₹8 lakh, it can carry up to five people, and its trunk moves with the flick of a switch. Designed to be part of rituals and god processions, Gaja will now take part in temple ceremonies like any majestic elephant would—minus the risk. Priyamani, another actress, had donated two mechanical elephants earlier in Kerala, setting the trend that Trisha has now brought south.

In a world where celebrity acts often lean on the flashy side, Trisha’s quiet gesture lands louder. This wasn’t about promotion or photo-ops. It was about replacing cruelty with innovation, tradition with responsibility. And maybe, in a time when culture and compassion often clash, this robo-elephant is the middle ground that actually works.