Actor Suniel Shetty, in collaboration with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India and Compassion Unlimited Plus Action (CUPA), gifted a life-size mechanical elephant 'Umamaheshwara' to the Sri Umamaheshwara Veerabhadreshwara Temple in Tavarekere, Karnataka.

The gift is a tribute to the temple's progressive decision to never keep or rent live elephants at the temple, and exemplifies compassionate traditions. The mechanical elephant allows devotees to participate in cultural rituals, without the need to keep or torment real animals.

Umamaheshwara received a grand and enthusiastic welcome at the Sri Umamaheshwara Veerabhadreshwara Temple on Monday, accompanied by rhythmic sounds of devotion and Mangala Vadyam. The temple has now become the first temple in Davanagere district to use this technology. Going forward, Umamaheshwara will participate in temple rituals, allowing the traditions to continue in a safe and flawless manner.

Suniel Shetty said, "Wild elephants are great seed dispersers and help control climate change through their impact on trees. For the good of elephants and the earth, I am extremely happy to work with PETA India and CUPA on this important project that protects God's creations and allows us to participate in traditional rituals and ceremonies."