28-06-2025
Trisha Krishnan Donates Robotic Elephant ‘Gaja' To Tamil Nadu Temples
The aim behind Trisha Krishnan's donation is to offer an alternative to the use of real elephants in temple rituals and festivals.
Trisha Krishnan has made a heartwarming and thoughtful gesture by donating a lifelike mechanical elephant named Gaja to two temples in Tamil Nadu – the Sri Ashtalinga Athisesha Selva Vinayagar Temple and the Sri Ashtabhuja Athisesha Varahi Amman Temple. This donation aims to offer an alternative to the use of real elephants in temple rituals and festivals.
Gaja, the mechanical elephant, will now be a part of traditional temple ceremonies by taking part in religious activities in place of live elephants. This step supports a growing movement across many temples in South India where more and more places of worship are choosing mechanical elephants as a way to respect both culture and animal welfare.
Gaja arrived—and was met with warmth, awe, and devotion by all at Sri Ashtalinga Athisesha Selva Vinayagar and Sri Ashtabhuja Athisesha Varahi Amman temples in Tamil Nadu. 💫 @trishtrashers #RoboticGaja #MechanicalElephant #PFCI — People For Cattle In India (PFCI) (@PFCII) June 27, 2025
Trisha's decision to donate Gaja was made in collaboration with People For Cattle In India (PFCI), an animal protection group working towards cruelty-free practices. In a statement shared by the organisation, Trisha opened up about the emotions behind her gesture. She said, 'I'm thrilled to be part of this beautiful moment. Devotion shines brightest when it's rooted in compassion. Welcoming a mechanical elephant into our temple traditions is a celebration of kindness, innovation, and culture."
'We are honouring our heritage in a way that brings no harm, only harmony. This gesture stands as a proud symbol of progress, where faith and empathy walk hand in hand. I hope it inspires many more to embrace a future where love leads our rituals, and no being suffers in the name of tradition," she added.
The PFCI shared photos and videos of Gaja on X (formerly Twitter) and thanked Trisha for being a part of this meaningful initiative.
'Thank you, @trishtrashers for working with us. Gaja signals a new beginning—where real elephants are free, and traditions continue at Sri Ashtalinga Athisesha Selva Vinayagar and Sri Ashtabhuja Athisesha Varahi Amman temples in Tamil Nadu," the caption read.
Thank you, @trishtrashers for working with us. Gaja signals a new beginning—where real elephants are free, and traditions continue at Sri Ashtalinga Athisesha Selva Vinayagar and Sri Ashtabhuja Athisesha Varahi Amman temples in Tamil Nadu.🌿🐘 #RoboticGaja #MechanicalElephant — People For Cattle In India (PFCI) (@PFCII) June 27, 2025
They also posted an image of a vegan meal arranged for temple devotees.
Compassion never tasted so good! 🥗 Sri Ashtalinga Athisesha Selva Vinayagar and Sri Ashtabhuja Athisesha Varahi Amman temples in Tamil Nadu served hearty vegan meals to celebrate. @trishtrashers #RoboticGaja #MechanicalElephant — People For Cattle In India (PFCI) (@PFCII) June 27, 2025
On the work front, Trisha has a couple of big projects lined up. She will soon be seen in Vishwambhara, a film directed by Malladi Vassishta where she stars opposite megastar Chiranjeevi. On her birthday in May, the makers shared the first look of her character Avani. The film also features Aashika Ranganath, Ramya Pasupuleti, Esha Chawla and Ashrita Vemuganti Nanduri. Vishwambhara is expected to hit theatres in September.
Trisha is also working on Karuppu, a film directed by RJ Balaji, where she will star alongside Suriya. The rest of the cast includes Swasika, Indrans, Sshivada, Anagha Maya Ravi, Yogi Babu, Natty and Supreeth Reddy. Karuppu is reportedly aiming for a Diwali release.
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