Temple priest by day, bike racer by night; Priest leads a double life as bike racer

In a fascinating tale, a 34-year-old man from Kerala is breaking stereotypes by leading a dual life as a priest and a bike racer. According to a report by the Times of India, Unnikrishnan VL starts his day with devotion as he opens the doors of the Pudhukkulamgara Devi temple in the Kottayam district of Kerala.

His mornings are dedicated to serving as a priest, welcoming and assisting devotees who come to seek blessings. With unwavering commitment, Unnikrishnan spends his early hours absorbed in spiritual duties, embracing his role as a spiritual guide.

As the day progresses, a transformation occurs. Once the temple rituals conclude, Unnikrishnan undergoes a quick change, trading his priestly attire for the gear of a bike racer. With a zest for adventure, he gears up with gloves, boots, and a helmet, embarking on his trusty Xpulse 200 motorcycle.


"I take out my riding gear — gloves, boots, and helmet — from the bag, wear them and take off on my Xpulse 200. Initially, devotees and locals would be shocked at my makeover but now they have got used to it," he shared.

Unnikrishnan's journey has been a unique one. He holds a background in computer science engineering and had a career in the IT sector until 2013. However, the call of his heart led him to embrace both the spiritual and adrenaline-filled aspects of life. Leaving behind his corporate life, he embarked on a motorcycle journey across India and Nepal, a decision he described as liberating.

After the passing of his father in 2019, who was also a priest, Unnikrishnan stepped up to continue the family tradition. In December 2021, he officially took on the responsibilities of a priest at the Pudhukkulamgara Devi temple.

In 2023, Unnikrishnan accomplished another remarkable feat: obtaining a motorcycle racing license. He participated in the Indian National Rally Championship held in Coimbatore. Racing on his 200cc bike, he proved his mettle by successfully completing the challenging race.

Unnikrishnan's story resonates as a testament to embracing passions without limitation. His ability to seamlessly transition between his roles as a priest and a bike racer showcases the multifaceted nature of human potential, reminding us that our identities can encompass diverse passions and aspirations.