I’m Namratha Mohan, The Temple Girl and author of VISHNU: The Eternal God, my first book, published by Penguin India. You can pre-order it on Amazon through the first link below.
I travel across Bharat to tell the stories of India’s temples in English. Why does a temple follow a ritual found nowhere else? What brings devotees there with a particular prayer? And who are the families who wake the deity each morning, as their parents and grandparents did before them?
These are the questions I take with me on every visit. Here, you’ll find the stories behind the rituals, meet the people who keep them alive and learn what to look for when you visit a temple yourself.
Instagram: @thetemplegirl
Collaborations and speaking invitations: namaste@templegirl.com
The Temple Girl
When we started writing VISHNU, I remember wondering how we would ever reach the right people, access these magnificent temples and uncover the stories that deserved to be told.
There was so much uncertainty. But I held on to just one thought…
"Lord Vishnu, this is your book. You hold our hands and take us where we are meant to go."
And what an incredible journey it turned out to be!
The people we met, the stories we heard, the doors that opened and the experiences we gathered… some journeys are truly beyond our imagination.
This is not just a book about temples. It carries the devotion, dedication, sacrifices and stories of countless people who have preserved our sacred heritage for generations.
Even if you aren't someone who reads books, I urge you to pick up VISHNU. I promise you, you will fall in love with our temples, culture and traditions all over again.
And to my beautiful audience, this book belongs to you as much as it belongs to me. You have walked with me through every temple, every story and every step of this journey. Thank you for all the love!
And finally, to Lord Vishnu..
We thought we were writing a book about you, but somewhere along the way, you made this journey a story of your own.
Forever grateful. Jai Shri Hari! 🙏❤️
8 hours ago | [YT] | 518
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The Temple Girl
I have travelled to so many places and received honours along the way, but being recognised so close to home carries a different kind of happiness. ❤️
Today, I had the honour of attending the Vijaya Games Team (VGT), Bolar Kannada Rajyotsava celebration as chief guest, right here in our Bolar–Mangaladevi community.
From presenting scholarships to meritorious students to honouring people from the region and organising a blood donation camp, the celebration brought together so much of what makes a community special encouraging our children, recognising service and caring for one another.
For me, the most meaningful part was being there as someone who calls this place home. Meeting the children, celebrating their achievements and sharing in their families’ pride made this a day I will hold close to my heart.
I bow in gratitude to Mangaladevi Amma and Mariamma for their blessings and for giving me opportunities like this. 🙏
Thank you to the entire VGT team and everyone who welcomed me with such warmth. I look forward to taking a more active role in serving our neighbourhood and contributing to the Mangalore that has given me so much.
ಕನ್ನಡ ರಾಜ್ಯೋತ್ಸವದ ಹಾರ್ದಿಕ ಶುಭಾಶಯಗಳು! 💛❤️
4 days ago | [YT] | 6,994
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The Temple Girl
Every year, I look forward to seeing Sharada Amma at Kudroli. And every year, standing before her feels just as special. ❤️
Going with family and friends, having darshan of Sharada Amma and the Navadurga, and sharing those moments together has become such a precious part of our Dasara. Even after so many visits, I still want a little more time in front of her before we leave.
And behind everything we see is so much effort. My heartfelt gratitude to everyone at the temple who puts so much care into the arrangements, year after year. You make this experience special for so many families, including ours.
And that beautiful smile of Sharada Amma… it stays with you long after you’ve come home. ❤️
#navratri #dasara #mangalore
1 week ago | [YT] | 3,372
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The Temple Girl
Every year, this is one moment I look forward to—holding the rope and pulling Mangaladevi Amma’s Ratha. ❤️
Growing up in Mangaluru, this has always been a special part of Dasara for me. Wherever I am, I try my best to be here on Vijayadashami. And however many times I’ve done it, the feeling never gets old. Today, it was an honour all over again. 🙏
For me, pulling Amma’s Ratha is a small act of seva. So many of us hold the same rope and pull together, each bringing our own prayers and gratitude as we accompany Her through our streets.
Mangaladevi Amma is the Mother our city takes its name from. That makes this connection so personal—She is part of our home, our childhood and our lives.
One of my best friends’ sons also wore Pili Vesha this year as a harake—a vow offered to Amma. Seeing him take part made the day even more special. Behind the tiger paint and the powerful dance, there is so much faith.
Sharing a few moments from our Mangaluru Dasara—the Ratha, the Pili Vesha, and the people who make it what it is. We are fortunate to have grown up with these traditions, to continue them, and to see the next generation become part of them too.
Jai Mangaladevi Amma! 🙏 #navratri #dasara #mangalore
2 weeks ago | [YT] | 2,891
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The Temple Girl
A memorable night at Lakshmi Vilas Palace ❤️
3 weeks ago | [YT] | 4,515
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The Temple Girl
This Navratri, I was reminded that Shakti is not just the divine power we worship, but also the courage women carry within themselves to shape society, challenge conventions, and inspire change.
During Aikyam 2026, I had the privilege of spending a memorable evening at Lakshmi Vilas Palace, Vadodara, hosted by Her Highness Maharani Radhikaraje Gaekwad. Meeting Her Highness, Rajmata Shubhanginiraje Gaekwad, and Maharani Radhikaraje's mother was truly an enriching experience.
Beyond the grandeur of the palace, the beautiful Raja Ravi Varma paintings, and the cultural celebrations, what left a lasting impression on me was their warmth, humility, and forward-thinking approach.
Their commitment to preserving India's cultural heritage while embracing inclusiveness is a powerful reminder that tradition and progress can go hand in hand.
As we celebrate the nine forms of Goddess Durga this Navratri, may we also celebrate the women around us who lead with courage, open doors for others, preserve our roots, and create a better future for generations to come.
Because Shakti is not just a force we worship in temples. It is a force we witness in women who turn their convictions into change.
An evening of learning, inspiration, and renewed pride in India's incredible heritage.
3 weeks ago | [YT] | 4,352
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The Temple Girl
Growing up, I watched Annamayya movie countless times, completely mesmerised by the story, the music, and especially by Suman garu as Lord Venkateshwara Swami.
And yesterday, life gave me a moment I could never have imagined as that little girl watching the film.
I had the incredible opportunity to stand beside Suman garu, who portrayed Lord Venkateshwara Swami in Annamacharya, and the 12th-generation descendant of Annamacharya himself, carrying forward the legacy of the great saint-poet.
And then, we all sang Annamacharya kirtans together.
For those few hours, it honestly felt like I was in Tirupati, sitting right in front of Venkateshwara Swami, soaking in the divine music — from Suprabhatam all the way to Ekanta Seva.
It was one of those evenings where you forget everything else around you and simply surrender to the moment.
I wish I could pause time sometimes.
1 month ago | [YT] | 5,395
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The Temple Girl
We’re hiring: Content Researcher & Writer — Temples & Indian Culture
Remote · Paid opportunity
We’re looking for an experienced research and writing professional to work closely with us at Temple Girl, supporting our videos and upcoming podcasts.
The role involves independently researching topics, uncovering compelling stories, verifying claims and preparing clear, well-structured research briefs and conversation notes.
You should be able to:
• Go beyond commonly repeated online information and investigate subjects in depth.
• Evaluate books, original texts or reliable translations, credible publications and expert accounts.
• Distinguish documented history, traditional accounts and regional practices.
• Turn complex information into clear, conversational English.
• Deliver work with source references and minimal supervision.
Prior experience in research-led content writing, journalism, documentaries or cultural publishing is essential. Knowledge of temples and Indian traditions, along with research ability in Indian languages, is an advantage.
To apply, email namaste@templegirl.com with your profile, two relevant work samples, your contribution to each and your availability.
Subject line: Content Researcher & Writer — Application
Know someone who fits? Please share this post or connect us.
#Hiring #ContentResearcher #ContentWriter #TempleGirl
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The Temple Girl
Obsessed with this look of mine ♥️ what do you'll think let me know 🥰 #mssubbulakshmi
1 month ago | [YT] | 5,540
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The Temple Girl
There is something incredibly beautiful about Ganesh Chaturthi....
For a few precious days, everything seems to come alive homes, streets, cities and villages light up with devotion. The air is filled with bhajans, chants, music and the beautiful sound of people coming together to invoke Bappa’s blessings.
What touches me the most is how this festival brings everyone together, beyond backgrounds, differences and boundaries. For a moment, there is only faith, joy, celebration and a shared feeling of devotion. ❤️
Today, as I visited a Ganapati pandal, I could truly feel that energy the smiles, the devotion, the music, the colours and the collective prayers. There is something so powerful and beautiful about witnessing an entire community come together with one heart.
And every second, I find myself feeling incredibly blessed to have been born in this beautiful country — a land where traditions are not just celebrated, but lived, felt and passed on.
Perhaps that is the magic of India.
Our festivals remind us that no matter how different we may be, there is always something sacred that brings us together.
Ganpati Bappa Morya! ❤️🙏
1 month ago | [YT] | 7,793
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