A temple with the Indian Constitution as the deity is not something that you hear of every day. This temple gains its importance at a time when Saji Cherian, Kerala’s Minister for Fisheries, Culture and Youth affairs made remarks against the Constitution.
Sivadasan Pillai (71), a retired social science teacher from the Government Higher Secondary School in Punalur, built a temple beside his house that worships the Indian Constitution. Similar to conventional Hindu temples, this shrine, too, has an ever-flickering oil lamp that provides a divine light to serene the atmosphere.
The temple stands at a plot of three cents in Kudappanakunnu. The temple has photo frames of Mahatma Gandhi, Dr B.R. Ambedkar, Swami Vivekananda, and noble laureate Malala Yousafzai. The Preamble of the Indian Constitution is etched on the wall.
Also Read: Kerala Teen Jishnu Becomes Superstar After Putting Up A Flex Of Himself
The temple is titled “Bharanaghatana Kshetram” (Constitution temple), which according to Mr Pillai is to share the importance and values of the Constitution. The temple follows the custom of a conventional Hindu temple. He even hands out “prasad” to the temple visitors. He provides visitors with a sticker that has a statement in Malayalam which translates to “Constitution is the Lord and it is the prosperity of this house”.
Most visitors to the temple are students. Mr Pillai regards the Constitution as a Bible, which he reads regularly. He also takes an effort to explain the Constitution to younger students. He believes that the Constitution of this land should be respected and learned by all. At a time, when the Constitution is disregarded by the people in power, this temple that solely worships the Constitution makes a strong statement.
Also Read: Kerala To Produce Its Own ‘Feni’
