Retired Indian civil servant sets up unique Constitution Temple

A 71 year old Sivadasan Pillai, a retired civil servant, converted his small residence in Kudappanakkunnu, Thiruvananthapuram, into Bharanaghadana Kshetram or Constitution Temple, using his pension funds. This unique temple hosts the Constitution of India for worship, similar to the sanctum sanctorum of traditional temples housing deities.

Since its official proclamation on January 26, 1950, after three years of independence, the Indian Constitution, overseen by Dr B R Ambedkar, has never been overthrown or challenged, earning India the title of the largest democracy in the world. The Constitution Temple was inaugurated on August 15, 2020, commemorating India’s Independence Day.

Within the temple, the Indian Constitution is placed in an open state, accompanied by a lampstand for worship, similar to a traditional temple housing a deity. The temple is adorned with various quotes from the Constitution, along with portraits of freedom fighters and social equality advocates, both Indian and foreign, such as Dr Ambedkar, Jyotiba Phule, Periyar, Mahatma Gandhi, Malala Yousafzai, and many others.

Pillai believes that if Indians give enough importance to understanding the Constitution, societal inequalities in the country, whether religious, caste-based, or gender-based, among others, will diminish.

In 2023, Pillai initiated a significant activity called Constitutionalism to promote understanding of the Constitution as a practical principle that everyone can apply in their daily lives. He firmly believes that if the citizens adhere to the principles of the Constitution, both in lifestyle and spirit, India will undoubtedly prosper. Therefore, he believes his Constitution Temple is of great importance as a spiritual place for the Constitution.

“The new generation does not understand our Constitution. For them, Independence Day or Republic Day is just another day. My small effort is to instil the spirit of the Constitution and empower them. I believe that if we adhere to God (Constitution), there will be no conflicts or problems in this country.”

Pillai insists that the Constitution is our Holy Book. This sentiment was echoed by Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India, on May 26, 2015, who stated, The religion of the government (his) is India First and Constitution is our Holy Book during his speech on the 125 birth anniversary of Dr Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, and a social equality advocate, reported Sanook.