An 800 kilogram robotic elephant is now being used in prayers and rituals at a temple in southern India as a way to help stamp out animal cruelty across the country. #india #temple #ritual #elephant #animalcruelty #robot #robots #kerala #animalrights #indianelephant #ceremony | Why Does This Temple in India Have a Robotic Elephant? | This mechanical elephant is now used in prayers and rituals at a temple in India, rather than a real one. Animals are often used in religious festivities in the state of Kerala – home to about a fifth of the country's captive elephants. | Named Irinjadappilly Raman, the 800-kilo robot cost about $6,000 to make, and was donated by the campaign group PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals).