The Temple Where Books Are Worshipped

Mysteries and realities often make for the most captivating stories. When intertwined with faith, they become even more intriguing.

Today, I wish to share an unforgettable experience from my travels that has stayed with me for years.

It all began when I stumbled upon a newspaper article titled “Where a Book Is Worshipped.” The article described a unique temple in Kerala, India—Navapuram Mathaatheetha Devaalayam, located in the serene village of Prapoyil, near Kannur.

Unlike traditional temples that enshrine deities, this temple worships books. As soon as I read it, my memories of an extraordinary journey from years ago came rushing back.

A Journey to Kerala

Around seven to eight years ago, I had the opportunity to embark on a 15-day tour of Kerala with my family.

We arrived in Kochi via flight from Patna, and from there, a pre-booked car took us across various breathtaking destinations—Munnar, Thekkady, Kovalam, and beyond.

Each place was mesmerizing, with lush greenery, tranquil backwaters, and a vibrant cultural essence. But it was on the eighth day of our journey that we encountered something truly unique.

Our itinerary for the day was packed with visits to sacred sites, beginning with the renowned Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, where Lord Vishnu is enshrined in a resplendent reclining posture.

After seeking blessings, we continued towards a lesser-known yet profoundly intriguing destination—Prapoyil.

A Temple Unlike Any Other

Prapoyil, a verdant village near Cherupuzha, is about 64 km from Kannur. Nestled in this peaceful landscape is a one-of-a-kind temple—the Navapuram Mathaatheetha Devaalayam (Secular House of God).

What sets this temple apart from every other in the world is its central object of worship: a sculpted image of a book.

Unlike conventional temples adorned with statues of gods and goddesses, here, knowledge itself is revered as divine. Instead of floral or food offerings, devotees bring books as a mark of devotion.

The philosophy behind this temple is profound. It symbolizes that wisdom transcends all religious and cultural barriers, emphasizing that enlightenment is the true path to divinity.

The temple embodies the belief that knowledge, education, and wisdom form the very foundation of human progress and spiritual growth.

A Surreal Experience

Stepping inside the temple, I was struck by the silence that prevailed—an aura of reverence filled the air.

Rows of books neatly adorned the sanctum, some donated by visitors over the years. The scent of old paper mixed with the subtle aroma of sandalwood and incense, creating a sense of serenity.

A priest, dressed in simple attire, greeted us warmly. He explained that this temple welcomes people from all faiths, reinforcing its secular spirit.

The devotees, instead of performing elaborate rituals, spent time reading, reflecting, and discussing philosophical teachings. It was a place where knowledge was not just stored but celebrated as sacred.

I was deeply moved by this experience. The idea of a temple dedicated to books—a temple where learning and wisdom take precedence over rituals—was both inspiring and thought-provoking.

It challenged conventional perceptions of spirituality and faith, urging one to seek divinity through understanding and enlightenment.

A Lesson to Cherish

As we left the temple, I felt a newfound appreciation for the power of knowledge. This journey to Kerala, particularly my visit to Navapuram Mathaatheetha Devaalayam, left an indelible mark on my soul.

It reinforced my belief that faith need not be bound by idols and rituals alone; it can also be a deep, unwavering pursuit of wisdom.

Even today, whenever I come across a book, I am reminded of that sacred place where pages, rather than statues, were revered as divine.

Perhaps, in a world divided by differences, temples like this serve as a reminder that knowledge is the ultimate unifier. And in that realization lies true enlightenment.

BE HAPPY….BE ACTIVE….BE FOCUSED….BE ALIVE…

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