A temple in Prapoyil where knowledge is divine | Fusion - WeRIndia

Nestled in the serene village of Prapoyil near Cherupuzha in Kerala’s Kannur district lies a one-of-a-kind temple that redefines spirituality.

Known as Navapuram Mathaatheetha Devaalayam, or the Secular House of God, this sanctuary honours not a deity in human form, but a sculpted concrete book, a symbol of sacred knowledge.

From the moment visitors step through the gates, the temple offers an experience unlike any other. Instead of priests or rituals, a sprawling library with over 5,000 books welcomes seekers.

The entrance hall, adorned with intricate sculptures of Kerala’s literary and cultural icons, including poet Cherusseri and Buddha, sets the tone. A stone lamp, traditionally a source of light, here symbolises the illumination of the mind.

Ascending a flight of stone steps, visitors encounter the temple’s central deity: a massive concrete book placed atop a 30-foot natural rock.

Engraved across its pages are three thought-provoking statements. These words encapsulate the temple’s core philosophy, one that transcends religious boundaries.

The visionary behind this spiritual marvel is Prapoyil Narayanan. Orphaned young and raised with modest means, he pursued education with relentless passion.

Over the years, he earned postgraduate degrees in five disciplines and wrote 26 books, all while running a parallel college in Cherupuzha.

Although he received limited donations, Narayanan personally invested over ₹7.6 crore into bringing this dream to life, developing land, constructing the temple, and organising vibrant annual festivals.

These festivals, held in April and during the Puja holidays, transform the temple into a cultural arena, featuring literary debates, dance, drama, and awards for contributions in Dravidian languages.

Significantly, devotees offer books instead of flowers or money and receive a book as prasadam in return.

Moreover, the temple is building Ezhuthupura, writing cottages where authors can retreat and create.

Ultimately, Navapuram Mathaatheetha Devaalayam is more than a temple. It is a living tribute to the power of knowledge, a sanctuary where wisdom itself is worshipped.

Image from Pxhere (Free for commercial use / CC0 Public Domain)

Image Published on February 08, 2017

Image Reference: https://pxhere.com/en/photo/641442