Temples, as places of art, architecture, and spirituality, have long been a part of the Indian subcontinent. They are living examples of India's heritage, art, and culture.

From the kings of the Gupta Empire to the Rajas of the Chola Empire, temples became a way to demonstrate their political power. Temples' design, length, and vastness were proportional to their political power and extent. Furthermore, temples in India are known for inspiring hope, faith, and peace among Indian devotees. Thousands of people visit various temples for various reasons and according to their faith.

While different temples in different parts of India stand to tell their stories and journeys, this particular temple is known for preserving India's heritage and culture's life journey and tales.

Mahadeva temple in Thrissur district, near the southern tip of India, is known for its unique method of serving prasada. Prasada, also known as prasadam, is the sacred food prepared for devotees following praise and thanksgiving to the Lord. It is a pure food that is first prepared for the deity and then distributed to all devotees without distinction.

However, the Mahadeva temple in Mazhuvanchey Village, Kerala, offers knowledge books, writing materials, informative brochures, CDs, and DVDs as prasadam or holy offerings. “Knowledge is actual Prasadam (holy offering). So in the form of Prasadam (offering), we give books and other informative literature to the devotees here in the temple,” says Taranath, the priest at the Mahadeva temple in Mazhuvanchery.”

This one-of-a-kind method of distributing prasadam in the form of books aims to spread knowledge among devotees. The temple is an exemplary synthesis of religion, art, heritage, and science. Aside from images of gods and goddesses, the temple's walls are adorned with paintings and images of famous thinkers and scientists such as Ramanujacharya, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Dr. C.V. Raman, and Dr. J.C. Bose. They represent the temple's adaptability, which represents the balance of spiritual and scientific development.

Given the temple's unique method of holy offering, it's no surprise that it's managed and supported by the Indian Institute of Scientific Heritage. The temple is housed within its campus.

Devotees who enter the temple grounds are not only illuminated by the peaceful atmosphere created by the presence of a deity, but they also receive necessary knowledge as part of the holy offering.

The temple attracts a large number of devotees during the Vijayadashmi festival. The majority are parents who bring their children to introduce them to the world of knowledge and awareness. > anybody can come and worship God here,” says K. Haridas Pillai, Director, of the National Heritage Centre, Thrissur.

In some ways, Kerala's Mahadeva temple represents an ancient method of teaching and imparting knowledge. Various spiritual gurus used temples as teaching centers in ancient times. Similarly, the Mahadva temple imparts knowledge and allows for objective learning free of superstition and discrimination. It is an ideal location for devotees to accept knowledge as a gift from God. It is a repository of faith, devotion, and knowledge.

Within the walls of the Mahadeva temple, devotees experience a sense of peace, enlightenment, and attainment, which transmit wisdom and devotion.