Influencers Decode India's Sacred Sites

In India, a growing number of social media influencers are dedicating their platforms to exploring and documenting the country's rich temple heritage. These digital creators are moving beyond traditional religious engagement to offer modern interpretations and explanations of ancient sites and practices.

Dinesh Soni, a businessman, actively debunks viral myths about ancient artifacts in temples, focusing on accurate historical research. He runs the popular Instagram handle @indian.temples, which boasts over 100,000 followers and has led him to author several books on the subject.

Namratha Mohan, formerly of Amazon, left her corporate career to establish @thetemplegirl. With 1.7 million followers, she creates content that explains religious rituals, temple architecture, and history, even using AI for modern appeal. Mohan's efforts aim to bridge the gap between tradition and understanding for younger audiences.

These influencers are not only documenting historical sites but also highlighting their current state, sometimes leading to community action. An influencer's video about a neglected temple in Andhra Pradesh spurred local cleaning efforts, demonstrating the tangible impact of digital advocacy.

Through reels, videos, and publications, these influencers aim to make ancient knowledge accessible and relevant, encouraging a deeper connection to cultural heritage among the youth and countering misinformation with verified facts.