About
Step back in time and explore the ancient tradition of writing on Palm Leaves, a practice that dates back thousands of years in India. Our ancestors used such seasoned palm leaves as the medium for recording their invaluable knowledge. However, with the advent of printing technology, this cherished tradition faded away, turning palm leaf manuscripts into relics of our rich cultural heritage.
In the vibrant cultural tapestry of Kerala, Ashtamangalyam (eight sacred items) holds immense significance in auspicious ceremonies, and among these 8 sacred items, is the revered palm leaf manuscript. Whether it’s a wedding, housewarming or festivals like Vishu and Navarathri, having a palm leaf manuscript is deeply meaningful. However, due to the scarcity of original palm leaf manuscripts people in Kerala started using printed books as alternatives. This inspired us to make these sacred “Granthams” accessible to everyone in their authentic form.
Based in Kochi, Kerala, Palm Leaf Innovations embarked on a mission in 2013 to revive this ancient legacy. Our vision is to publish spiritual books in the traditional palm leaf manuscript format. Owing to the paucity of palm leaves and the challenges of printing on them, we use special eco-friendly paper that closely resembles old palm leaves in every aspect. Interestingly this new version of manuscripts does not require any seasonal preservations that needed for original palm leaves.
Our journey began with publishing Lalithasahasranamam in Malayalam. The positive response encouraged us to print more works in this format. We published Vishnuahsranamam, Harinamakeerthanam, Devimahathmyam, Adhyathmaramayanam, and Athmopadesa Sathakam, all in Malayalam. Encouraged by this success, we expanded our horizons and published Hanuman Chalisa in Hindi, Vishnusahasranamam in Tamil, and the Bhagavad Gita in English. This achievement marks a significant milestone as it potentially becomes the first work in English to be published in this traditional format. Our mission continues as we strive to publish these scriptures in other languages as well, promoting a multicultural appreciation of ancient wisdom.
Here, at Palm Leaf Innovations, our mission goes beyond publishing. Thousands of old palm leaf manuscripts are at risk of being lost forever. By using modern digital scanning and advanced printing equipments, we have successfully transferred these invaluable works onto new palm leaves, preserving them for hundreds of years to come.
Additionally, we take great care to preserve the traditional writing instruments known as Naarayams or Ezhuthani. Our future plans include detailed video documentation of the palm leaf seasoning process, writing techniques, and seasonal preservation, creating a valuable resource for generations to come.
Join us on this remarkable journey as Palm Leaf Innovations strives to revive the wisdom of our ancestors and revitalize the ancient tradition of palm leaf manuscripts. By connecting the past and the present, we aim to inspire a deep appreciation for our cultural heritage and instill a renewed sense of pride in future generations. Join us on this extraordinary journey as we reclaim the essence of the past and embrace the timeless wisdom found within palm leaf manuscripts.