The popularity of iPads has undoubtedly enticed tablet enthusiasts and tech gurus alike. Now, per reports, the iPad is also making its way to a Thai temple into the hands of a Buddha statue.

Ban Jabok-Ban Nong Lek temple in Chom Phra district of the north eastern province of Thailand surprised Buddhist worshippers on Thursday, Nov. 8, when it revealed a picture of Phra Sivali, a pose of Buddha, holding an iPad at an inauguration ceremony of the building of the statute.

Traditionally, Phra Sivali holds a walking stick, an umbrella, and a bowl, and is worshipped by Buddhist followers seeking love, luck, and prosperity. However, the temple revealed a picture for the statue to be built, which shows that one hand will carry the umbrella and the other hand instead of holding a stick will embrace one of the most popular gadgets around, the iPad.

"Monks have to catch up with the changes and use those gadgets like the iPad to lure the new generation to the temple. Monks can use them to teach Dhamma to those who live their life with new communication technologies,'' said a spokesman of the temple.

The spokesman also said that the temple did not have any intention to offend or upset Buddhists or Buddhism by breaking the tradition. The spokesman added that the iPad in one hand of the statue will send a message to monks about the changing world and the trends in technology.

Bangkok Post reported that the ceremony brought together well-respected monks from many temples in Surin, Buri Ram, and Ubon Ratchathani provinces.

Naysayers may opine that a Buddha statue carrying an iPad may be a gimmick to grab attention. On the other hand, some may find that religious followers are embracing the current technology.

With the fourth-generation of iPad launched in October this year, and many more versions still to come in the coming years, wonder which version of the tablet the Buddha statue is carrying!