Narayana Guru

mountain and attained enlightenment. The area was secluded with heavy forest and inhabited with wild life. Narayanan, né Nanu, was born on 20 August 1856 to Madan Asan and Kuttiyamma in an Ezhava family of ayurvedic physicians, in the village of Chempazhanthy near Thiruvananthapuram, in the erstwhile state of Travancore. Unlike other Ezhavas who confined their Sanskrit reading to ayurvedic works, Narayana guru studied religious texts as well. His early education was in the gurukula way under Chempazhanthi Mootha Pillai during which time his mother died when he was 15. At the age of 21, he went to central Travancore to learn from Raman Pillai Asan, a Sanskrit scholar who taught him Vedas, Upanishads and the literature and logical rhetoric of Sanskrit. A year later, he married Kaliamma but soon disassociated himself from the marriage to commence his public life as a social reformer. He returned to his village in 1881, when his father was seriously ill, and started a village school where he taught local children which earned him the name Nanu Asan. Later, he continued his wanderings until he reached the Pillathadam cave at Maruthwamala where he set up a hermitage and practiced meditation for the next eight years. His reply to them, "This is not a Brahmin Shiva but an Ezhava Shiva", later became a famous quote, used against casteism. It was here, the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam (SNDP Yogam) was founded on 15 May 1903 by the efforts of Padmanabhan Palpu with Narayana Guru as its founder president. Guru shifted his base to Sivagiri, near Varkala in 1904 where he opened a school for children from the lower strata of the society and provided free education to them without considering their caste. However, it took him seven years to build a temple there, the Sarada Mutt was built in 1912. He also built temples in other places such as Thrissur, Kannur, Anchuthengu, Thalassery, Kozhikode, and Mangalore and it took him to many places including Sri Lanka (then called Ceylon) where he made his final visit in 1926. On his return to India, he was involved in a number of activities including the planning of the Sivagiri pilgrimage which was planned after his visit to Pallathuruthy in 1927 to attend the anniversary of the S.N.D.P. Yogam. Soon after the meeting at Pallathuruthy, which was the last public function he attended, Guru became ill and underwent treatment at places such as Aluva, Thrissur, Palakkad, and finally to Chennai; the physicians attended to him included Ayurvedic physicians like Cholayil Mami Vaidyar, Panappally Krishnan Vaidyar and Thycauttu Divakaran Moos as well as allopathic physicians viz. Krishnan Thampi, Panikker, Palpu and a European physician by name, Noble. He returned to Sarada Mutt and died on 20 September 1928, at the age of 72. == Legacy ==

Fight against casteism Casteism was practised in Kerala during the 19th and early 20th centuries and the backward castes such as Ezhavas and other untouchable castes like Paraiyars, Adivasis and Pulayars had to suffer discrimination from the upper caste community. It was against this discrimination that Guru performed his first major public act, He propagated the ideals of compassion and religious tolerance and one of his noted works, Anukampadasakam, extols various religious figures such as Krishna, The Buddha, Adi Shankara, Jesus Christ. Meeting with Mahatma Gandhi On 12 March 1925, Mahatma Gandhi visited the Sivagiri Ashram in Varkala, Kerala, during the Vaikom Satyagraha. During his stay, he met Narayana Guru, who emphasized the need for education and wealth for the upliftment of lower castes rather than mixed eating and marriages. This conversation, facilitated by a translator, also addressed religious freedom and the caste system. Narayana Guru's logical arguments and inclusive practices profoundly impacted Gandhi. Witnessing lower-caste children reciting prayers and their knowledge of the Upanishads impressed Gandhi and challenged his casteist views. Inspired by Guru's teachings, Gandhi re-evaluated his stance on caste and untouchability. As a result of this transformative experience, Mahatma Gandhi began to focus on eradicating untouchability and upliftment of Harijans (Dalits) in the national movement. He renamed his newspaper "Young India" to "Harijan" and made the eradication of untouchability a central part of his mission. This marked a significant shift in Gandhi's approach, integrating the fight against caste discrimination into the broader struggle for India's independence. Mahatma Gandhi subsequently renamed his newspaper from "Young India" to "Harijan" and made the eradication of untouchability and upliftment of Harijans a part of the national movement. Anantha Shenoy, a Gandhian from Kannur, read about this in Young India and was deeply inspired. He later became the Guru's disciple and was ordained as Swamy Ananda Theerthan, regarded as the last initiated disciple of Narayana Guru The union's formation was led by Vadappuram Bava, a coir worker who, in 1920, met Guru through T. C. Kesavan Vaidyar and appealed for a solution to the harsh conditions faced by labourers. Guru reportedly asked Bava, "If what I command becomes your deliverance, will you accept it?" to which Bava replied, "Whatever you instruct will be our salvation." Guru then responded with a call to collective action: "Form a union. Let your strength come from unity and freedom." The inaugural meeting, held after dusk to avoid police intervention, drew around 300 workers. Dr. M. K. Antony was appointed president and Vattappuram Bava served as secretary. The union later became the Travancore Labour Association and played a foundational role in Kerala's labour movement, preceding the emergence of communist politics in India. In one of their final meetings, Guru advised Bava: "Earn the trust of all and move forward. The age of the workers is coming." It was reported that the trigger for the protest was an incident when Narayana Guru was stopped from passing through a road leading to the Vaikom Temple by an upper caste person. It prompted Kumaran Asan and Muloor S.Padmanabha Panicker, both disciples of Guru, to compose poems in protest of the incident. T. K. Madhavan, another disciple, petitioned the Sree Moolam Popular Assembly in 1918 for rights to enter the temple and worship, regardless of the caste. A host of people including K. Kelappan and K. P. Kesava Menon formed a committee and announced the Kerala Paryatanam Movement and with the support of Mahatma Gandhi. The agitation developed into a mass movement which resulted in the opening of the temple as well as three roads leading to it to people of all castes. The protest also influenced the Temple Entry Proclamation of 1936. Sivagiri pilgrimage The Sivagiri pilgrimage was conceived by three of the disciples of Guru viz. Vallabhasseri Govindan Vaidyar, T. K. Kittan Writer and Muloor S. Padmanabha Panicker which Guru approved in 1928, with his own recommendations. India's first All Religions Conference Guru organized an All Religion Conference in 1923 at Alwaye Advaita Ashram, which was first such event in India. During this period, communalization escalated into riots in India. In Kerala, the Malabar rebellion occurred. According to the Simon Commission report, more than 112 major communal riots took place in India between 1922 and 1927. Throughout this time, the guru also received letters from a communal leader, Abdul Hamid Qadri Badayuni, from Uttar Pradesh, who later moved to Pakistan. The guru responded to his queries and questions through letters. The All Religions' Conference, which was the first of its kind in India, was organized against this backdrop to foster peace among the various religions of the country and at the entrance of the conference, he arranged for a message to be displayed which read, We meet here not to argue and win, but to know and be known. The conference has since become an annual event, organised every year at the Ashram. Guru's rational spiritual dialogues Limits of religious explanation During a visit to Sri Lanka, Narayana Guru engaged in a philosophical conversation with the country's highest Buddhist monk. When Guru asked, "Do you know the cause of birth?", the monk answered, "Karma". Guru then asked, "If so, how did life begin in the first place?" The monk was unable to respond. Narayana Guru remarked, "This is the case with all religions. There are no answers to many questions posed by rational thought. Religious belief often transcends rationality. The logic of worldly life only fits spiritual thinking up to a certain extent." Sahodaran Ayyappan and rationalist reinterpretation Sahodaran Ayyappan, a pioneering rationalist and the founder of the first rationalist organization in Kerala, was also a close disciple of Sree Narayana Guru. Known for his progressive and bold reinterpretations, Ayyappan rephrased Guru's famous message — "Oru Jathi, Oru Matham, Oru Daivam Manushyan; Jathi chodikkaruth, parayaruth, chinthikkaruth" ("One Caste, One Religion, One God for Mankind; Do not ask, speak, or think caste") into a more radical slogan: "Jathi Venda, Matham Venda, Daivam Venda Manushyan" ("No Caste, No Religion, No God for human beings"). When some followers expressed concern that this reinterpretation might offend the Guru, Narayana Guru is said to have replied succinctly: "Ayyappan is right" Rituals A well-known anecdote in Kerala recounts Narayana Guru's sharp response when a judge once asked him whether burning or burying was the correct method for disposing of a dead body. Guru replied, "Crush them in an oil-press; they'll make good manure." When the judge expressed shock, Guru simply asked, "Why? Will it hurt?" In the Aparakriya section of Sree Narayana Smrithi, Guru elaborated on this view through a dialogue between the guru and disciples. He emphasized that cremation should be performed not as a ritualistic necessity but for the sake of cleanliness and public hygiene. He discouraged all superstitious death related rituals and clarified that symbolic offerings like 'pindam' can be offered. Guru further stated that for one who has a clear, doubt-free understanding (of truth), all the death-related rituals (like ashaucha and other ceremonies) performed out of ignorance are meaningless and merely a play of ignorance, Such a person need not ever follow these customs. However, for others who still operate within the framework of karma and belief systems, certain practices may be prescribed based on context, time, and societal norms. Idol worship Several contemporary Vedantins also expressed opposition to Guru's emphasis on idol consecration in temples. During the consecration of the Jagannath Temple in Thalassery, Bodhananda Swamikal organized a major protest against idol worship. However, upon seeing Guru in person, Bhodhananda Swamikal is said to have experienced a spiritual transformation, bowed at Guru's feet, and later became his disciple. Similarly, Vagbhatananda, a contemporary reformer visited Guru to oppose the practice of installing idols in temples. Through a thoughtful exchange, Narayana Guru explained the symbolic and spiritual relevance of idol worship. Convinced by this perspective, Vagbhatananda ultimately acknowledged the depth of Guru's insight and sought reconciliation. Vagbhatanandan: "I do not share your opinions." Guru: "Oh, is that so? I share your opinions." Vagbhatanandan: "How is the soil at the Advaita Ashrama?" Guru: "While we were traveling in Maruthwamala and Aruvipuram, there were stones, forests, and meadows. Here, the soil is soft, like a pillow." Vagbhatanandan: "I've heard that nowadays you are erecting stones (idol consecration)." Guru: "You are a rogue elephant in Advaita and Vedanta philosophy. You will hear many things like that. But as Vagbhatanandan, whatever you hear won't be a lie." Vagbhatanandan: "But erecting these stones all over the place..." Guru: "Many writings are on stones, right? Also, great walls and historic monuments are made of stone. Is there any discrimination against stones?" Vagbhatanandan: "We should acknowledge stones for their strength and stability, but I cannot agree with erecting stone idols." Guru: (looking at the stone in his earrings) "We are only erecting stones, but you are always carrying them." Vagbhatanandan: (ashamed) Guru: "There is nothing wrong in wearing them in the ears, just don't carry them in the mind." Vagbhatanandan: "Pardon me, Swami. As someone like you who knows Brahmam, the consecration of idols disturbed my mind, so I asked. How did stones become Ishvara?" Guru: "All stones are Shiva. Shiva means emptiness, Nirguna Para Brahmam. All living beings are spiritual brothers. Everyone should be spiritually elevated, irrespective of their background. There should be methods and institutions for this. Those who own institutions are often not ready for it. Through stones, one should be capable of seeing Shiva and realize that stones, soil, plants, and flowers are all one. Through stones, one should come to know the Jagath, to know the Jagannathan." Vagbhatanandan: "I offer my words at your feet. I have no reply. I am not a soldier with weapons who can oppose you." When P. Chidambaram became the Finance Minister of India, he released a ₹5 coin commemorating Narayana Guru. Intrigued by these events and the Guru's reputation, Masthan visited him and asked, "Are you the one who consecrated the idol?" When the Guru confirmed and asked masthan that 'Do you want to see the god', Masthan asked whether it was truly possible to "see God". Narayana Guru replied that one cannot perceive the divine with ordinary eyes, but invited Masthan to hold his hand and look toward the horizon. Masthan reportedly entered a deep spiritual trance and, upon regaining consciousness, exclaimed, "I have seen God," marking a profound spiritual awakening. A European named Ernest Kirk was similarly drawn to the Guru's teachings and became his disciple. The Guru did not require him to change his name. At the time of his sannyasa deeksha, the Guru deviated from traditional rituals, omitting customary practices such as tonsure and the observance of specific vratas. Instead, he provided Kirk with a coat, pants, shoes, and a tie in place of the traditional kashayavastra, stating that such attire was more appropriate for the European climate. As part of the initiation, the Guru personally placed the shoes on his feet and tied the tie around his neck, naming him Swami Ernest Kirk. He emphasized that Kirk should retain his own culture and heritage while pursuing the spiritual path Notable disciples • Bodhananda Swamikal • Nataraja Guru • Kumaran Asan • Sahodaran Ayyappan • T. K. Madhavan • Padmanabhan Palpu • Muloor S. Padmanabha Panicker • Velutheri Kesavan Vaidyar Ashtalakshyangal • Vidyabhyasam • Shuchitwam • Eeshwaravishwasam • Krishi • Kaithozhil • Kachawadam • Sanghadana • Shastra sanketika Parisheelanam Writings and philosophy Guru published 45 works in Malayalam, Sanskrit and Tamil languages which include Atmopadesa Śatakam, a hundred-verse spiritual poem and Daiva Dasakam, a universal prayer in ten verses. He also translated three major texts, Thirukural of Valluvar, Ishavasya Upanishad and Ozhivil Odukkam of Kannudaiya Vallalaar. It was he who propagated the motto, One Caste, One Religion, One God for All (Oru Jathi, Oru Matham, Oru Daivam, Manushyanu) which has become popular as a saying in Kerala. He furthered the non-dualistic philosophy of Adi Sankara by bringing it into practice by adding the concepts of social equality and universal brotherhood. == Philosophy ==

before he became a sanyasi, "Do you want to understand Vedanta?" Nataraja, who was staring intently into the Guru's eyes, even forgot to say 'yes'). "Guru: Have you seen the water? Nataraja Guru: Yes Guru: Do you know that wave is also water? Nataraja Guru: I know Guru: Then there is nothing new to know. Vedanta is so. == Public acceptance, honours and veneration ==

In 1916, Ramana Maharshi hosted Narayana Guru at his Tiruvannamalai ashram when Guru was returning from a trip to Kancheepuram where Swami Govindananda, a disciple of Guru, had established the Sree Narayana Seva Ashram. Rabindranath Tagore met Narayana Guru at the latter's ashram in Sivagiri in November 1922. Tagore later said of Narayana Guru that, "I have never come across one who is spiritually greater than Swami Narayana Guru or a person who is at par with him in spiritual attainment." Three years later, Mahatma Gandhi visited Guru during his 1925 trip to Kerala to participate in the Vaikom Satyagraha after which the Indian independence movement leader stated "it was a great privilege in his life to have the darshan of an esteemed sage like Narayana Guru." On 21 August 1967, Narayana Guru was commemorated on an Indian postage stamp of denomination 15 nP. Another commemorative stamp on him was issued by Sri Lanka Post on 4 September 2009. The Reserve Bank of India and Security Printing and Minting Corporation of India issued two sets of commemorative coins depicting Guru's image, each valued at 5 and 100 respectively, on the occasion of his 150th birth anniversary. The first of the several statues of Narayana Guru was erected at Jagannath Temple, Thalassery in 1927 while he was still alive. His statues are seen in many places in Kerala which include a 24 feet statue at Kaithamukku in Thiruvananthapuram. The Government of Kerala observes his birthday, the Sri Narayana Jayanthi, and the date of his death, Sree Narayana Guru Samadhi as public holidays. == In popular media ==

The life of Narayana Guru has been portrayed in a number of movies starting with the 1986 film Sree Narayana Guru, made by award-winning director P. A. Backer. Swamy Sreenarayana Guru, an Indian Malayalam-language film directed by Krishnaswamy, released the same year. Almost a decade and a half later, R. Sukumaran made a film on the life of Guru, titled Yugapurushan, in 2010 with Thalaivasal Vijay playing the role of Guru and the film also featured Mammootty and Navya Nair. Brahmashri Narayana Guru Swamy is a Tulu film made in 2014 by Rajashekar Kotian on Guru's life and the film was the 50th film made in the language. His life during the eight years he spent at Maruthwamala (also known as Marunnumamala) has been adapted into a docufiction, titled Marunnumamala and the film was released by Pinarayi Vijayan, the chief minister of Kerala on 9 August 2016. In 2016, Kerala High court observed that the statue of Narayana Guru cannot be treated as a Hindu deity. == Works ==

In Malayalam • Swanubavageethi • Aathmopadesh Shathakam • Adwaitha deepika • Arivu • • • Jeevakarunya Panchakam • Anukamba Dasakam • Jathi Nirnayam • Jathi Lakshanam • Chijjada Chinthanam • Daiva vichinthanam – 1 & 2 • Athma Vilasam • • Kolatheereshastavam • Bhadrakaalyashtakam • Gajendra moksham vanchipattu • Ottapadyangal • Sree Krishnana Darsanam • Mangalasamsakal • • Subramanya Ashtakam • Sadasiva Darsanam • Samasya • Swanubhava Geethi • Indrya Vairagyam • • • • • • • In Sanskrit of Guru • • • • Nirvruthi Panchakam • Slokathrayi • Vedantha Suthram • Homa Manthram • Municharya Panchakam • Asramam • Dharmam • Charama Slokangal • Homa Mantram • Chidambarashtakam • Guhashtakam • Bhadrakaliashtakam • Vinayaka Ashtakam • Sree Vasudeva Ashtakam • Janani Navaratna Manjari In Tamil • Thevarappathinkangal Translations • Thirukural • Isavasyo Upanishad • Ozhivil Odukkam Translations of Guru's works into other languages • • • • • Copies can be had from Satsangha Seva Samithi. • • • • • == Death ==

Narayana Guru died at Sivagiri, Kerala. The cause of death was recorded as indigestion and prostate inflammation. He had told all the great physicians and disciples of that time who came to treat him that he was approaching samadhi and that the ashram should be well looked after and that everyone should live as good people. The special public meeting of the SNDP meeting held at Kottayam was the last public ceremony attended by Narayana Guru. In 1927, naturopathy was carried out in Mangatukodi and Kandachira on the banks of Ashtamudikayal along with Pazhavila Chattambiasan. He was bedridden for a long time suffering from senile disease but was treated by many doctors but could not cure the disease completely. He died during meditation in the presence of devotees on 20 September 1928 (Malayalam year: 1104 Kanni 5). It was just three weeks after his 72nd birthday. The body was laid to rest in Sivagiri, Kerala Mathvalap. Today there is a hall with his statue. == See also ==