Author: Sudha Murthy
Genre: Children’s fiction / Adventure
Publication Year: 2015
Publisher: Puffin Books (India)
Suggested Age Group: 8–12 years
Sudha Murthy writes in clear, simple English with gentle humor. Short chapters, vivid descriptions of rural Karnataka (food, festivals, landscapes), and relatable dialogues make it accessible for young readers. The mystery element keeps the pace engaging without being frightening.
The lost temple is not a grand gopuram but a functional kalyani (stepwell). The book illustrates how ancient Indians revered water as a goddess. Nooni’s discovery leads to the restoration of the well, reviving the village’s prosperity. sudha+murthy+books+the+magic+of+the+lost+temple+pdf
Without revealing spoilers, a subplot involves a hidden treasure. The book beautifully contrasts the greed of those who seek wealth for selfish reasons versus the gratitude of the community who seek to preserve history.
Sudha Murthy masterfully captures the sensory overload of an Indian rural summer—the smell of wet earth, the taste of neer dosa, the sound of temple bells, and the feeling of cool well water on a hot day. For NRIs (Non-Resident Indians) and city-bred children, this book serves as a cultural anchor. Author: Sudha Murthy Genre: Children’s fiction / Adventure
Published by Penguin India, The Magic of the Lost Temple introduces us to Nooni, a twelve-year-old girl from sophisticated, urban Bangalore. Accustomed to the hum of technology and the convenience of city life, Nooni is initially unenthusiastic about spending her summer vacation with her grandparents in the sleepy, fictional village of Somanahalli in Karnataka.
However, what begins as a boring holiday quickly transforms into an adventure. While exploring the countryside, Nooni stumbles upon an ancient, stepwell hidden beneath layers of overgrown weeds and forgotten history. This is the "lost temple" of the title. The lost temple is not a grand gopuram
As the villagers rally to excavate the well, Nooni finds herself at the heart of a journey that uncovers not just stone steps and murky water, but centuries-old secrets, hidden chambers, and a treasure trove of local folklore. Through this process, she learns about: