Spiritual library at Shiva temple in Kerala

KOCHI: In a first in state, a temple has opened a library exclusively for Indian spiritual books with the aim of promoting the knowledge they offer among the public, irrespective of religion or caste. Ernakulam Shiva Temple, popularly known as Ernakulathappan Temple, which is one of the major temples in the state, launched an exclusive library within the temple premises on Sunday featuring around 3,000 books related to Indian spirituality and philosophy.

The library, situated in the newly constructed building near the east entrance of the temple, was inaugurated by writer and critic Asha Menon on Sunday evening. All the books in the library were contributed by devotees and the building was constructed using the donations given by the devotees. The temple authorities said that people from any religion have access to the library and can even contribute spiritual books related to any religion.

The books which are available for readers include Puranas, Ithihasas, Upanishads, Vedas, Bharatiya Darsanams and various other religious and spiritual publications. Majority of the books are written in Malayalam but there are some books written in Sanskrit and English too. The English books include Vivekananda Darshananam and Bhagavad Gita.

Temple welfare council president P Rajendra Prasad said that the target readers are mainly youngsters. "The aim is to spiritually uplift youngsters and children and create awareness about Indian spirituality and philosophy," Prasad said.

The council has appointed a librarian and the library will function from 8am to 10am and 4pm to 8pm on all days.