Narayana Guru

Narayana Guru is a well-known figure in Indian history for his contributions as a philosopher, spiritual leader, and social reformer. He was born on August 20, 1856 in the village of Chempazhanthy in the Travancore region of India. His parents were Madan Asan and Kuttiyamma, and he was raised in an Ezhava family.

Narayanan, also known as Nanu, received his early education through the traditional gurukula system under Chempazhanthi Mootha Pillai. Tragically, his mother passed away when he was just 15 years old. He then went on to study under Sanskrit scholar Raman Pillai Asan, who taught him about the Vedas, Upanishads, and Sanskrit literature and logical rhetoric.

After returning to his village in 1881 to care for his ill father, Nanu Asan started a village school where he taught local children. He married Kaliamma the following year but eventually disassociated himself from the marriage in order to dedicate himself to his public life as a social reformer.

After leaving his home, Narayana Guru traveled throughout Kerala and Tamil Nadu, where he met Chattampi Swamikal, a social and religious reformer who introduced him to Ayyavu Swamikal. From Ayyavu, Narayana Guru learned about meditation and yoga. He then traveled to the Pillathadam cave at Maruthwamala, where he set up a hermitage and spent the next eight years practicing meditation and yoga.

In 1888, Narayana Guru visited Aruvippuram, where he meditated for a while and consecrated a piece of rock from the river as the idol of Shiva, creating the Aruvippuram Shiva Temple. This act, known as the Aruvipuram Pratishta, caused a stir among the upper-caste Brahmins who questioned Narayana Guru's right to consecrate the idol. In response, he famously stated that "This is not a Brahmin Shiva but an Ezhava Shiva," challenging the caste system. It was during this time that the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam (SNDP Yogam) was founded on May 15, 1903, with Narayana Guru as its founding president and Padmanabhan Palpu, also known as Dr. Palpu, leading the efforts.

In 1904, Narayana Guru moved to Sivagiri, near Varkala, where he established a school for children from lower social strata and provided them with free education without considering their caste. It took him seven years to build a temple in Sivagiri, the Sarada Mutt, which was completed in 1912. He also built temples in other locations such as Thrissur, Kannur, Anchuthengu, Thalassery, Kozhikode, and Mangalore. His travels took him to Sri Lanka (then known as Ceylon), where he made his final visit in 1926.

Upon his return to India, Narayana Guru remained active in a number of endeavors, including the planning of the Sivagiri pilgrimage. This pilgrimage was planned after his visit to Pallathuruthy in 1927 to attend the anniversary of the S.N.D.P. Yogam. Through these efforts, Narayana Guru worked towards spreading his message of spiritual enlightenment and social equality throughout India and beyond.

Following the meeting at Pallathuruthy, which was the last public function Narayana Guru attended, he fell ill and received treatment in various locations including Aluva, Thrissur, Palakkad, and finally Chennai. The physicians who treated him included both Ayurvedic doctors such as Cholayil Mami Vaidyar, Panappally Krishnan Vaidyar, and Thycauttu Divakaran Moos, as well as allopathic doctors like Krishnan Thampi, Panikker, Palpu, and a European physician named Noble.

Despite the efforts of these medical professionals, Narayana Guru was unable to recover and returned to the Sarada Mutt, where he passed away on September 20, 1928 at the age of 72. 

Legacy

Casteism 

During the 19th and early 20th centuries, casteism was prevalent in Kerala, resulting in discrimination against lower castes such as the Ezhavas, and untouchable castes like the Paraiyars, tribals, and Pulayars. In response to this discrimination, Narayana Guru performed his first major public act in 1888, the consecration of a Siva idol at Aruvippuram. Throughout his life, he consecrated 45 temples in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. These consecrations were not necessarily traditional deities; Narayana Guru also consecrated a slab inscribed with the words "Truth," "Ethics," "Compassion," and "Love," a vegetarian Shiva, a mirror, and a sculpture by an Italian sculptor.

Narayana Guru promoted the ideals of compassion and religious tolerance and one of his notable works, Anukampadasakam, extols various religious figures such as Krishna, the Buddha, Adi Shankara, and Jesus Christ. 

Vaikom Satyagraha

The Vaikom Satyagraha was a social protest against untouchability in the Hindu society of Travancore. It is believed that the protest was sparked by an incident in which Narayana Guru was stopped from passing through a road leading to the Vaikom Temple by an upper-caste person. This 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 of Narayana Guru, petitioned the Sree Moolam Popular Assembly in 1918 for the right to enter the temple and worship, regardless of caste. A committee was formed by individuals such as K. Kelappan and K. P. Kesava Menon, who announced the Kerala Paryatanam movement and received the support of Mahatma Gandhi. The protest eventually evolved into a mass movement that led to the opening of the temple and three roads leading to it to people of all castes. The Vaikom Satyagraha also influenced the Temple Entry Proclamation of 1936, which granted the right to all people to enter temples and worship.

Writings and Philosophy

Narayana Guru published 45 works in Malayalam, Sanskrit, and Tamil, including Atmopadesa Śatakam, a hundred-verse spiritual poem, and Daiva Dasakam, a universal prayer in ten verses. He also translated three major texts, the Thirukural of Valluvar, the Ishavasya Upanishad, and the Ozhivil Odukkam of Kannudaiya Vallalaar.

Guru is known for promoting the motto "One Caste, One Religion, One God for All," which has become a popular saying in Kerala. He also advanced the non-dualistic philosophy of Adi Sankara by incorporating the concepts of social equality and universal brotherhood into his teachings and actions. Through his writings and philosophy, Narayana Guru worked towards creating a more united and equal society.

All Religions Conference

In 1923, Narayana Guru organized the All Religions Conference at the Alwaye Advaita Ashram, which is reported to be the first such event in India. The conference was intended to counter the religious conversions that the Ezhava community was vulnerable to, and at the entrance of the conference, Guru had a message displayed that read, "We meet here not to argue and win, but to know and be known." The conference has since become an annual event, held every year at the Ashram.

Through this conference, Narayana Guru sought to promote understanding and cooperation among different religious communities, rather than conflict and conversion. His efforts toward religious harmony continue to be remembered and celebrated today.

Public acceptance, honours, and veneration

Narayana Guru had close relationships with several notable figures in Indian history, including Ramana Maharshi and Rabindranath Tagore. In 1916, Ramana Maharshi hosted Narayana Guru at his Tiruvannamalai ashram when Guru was returning from a trip to Kancheepuram, where one of his disciples, Swami Govindananda, had established the Sree Narayana Seva Ashram. Tagore met Narayana Guru at his ashram in Sivagiri in November 1922 and later declared 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 Narayana Guru during his 1925 trip to Kerala to participate in the Vaikom Satyagraha. After meeting with Guru, Gandhi stated that "it was a great privilege in his life to have the darshan of an esteemed sage like Sree Narayana Guru." These encounters highlight the respect and admiration that Narayana Guru commanded from other influential figures in Indian history

.Narayana Guru has received numerous honors and tributes in recognition of his contributions as a philosopher, spiritual leader, and social reformer. In 1967, the Indian government commemorated him with a 15 nP stamp, and in 2009, the Sri Lanka Post issued a commemorative stamp in his honor. The Reserve Bank of India also released two sets of commemorative coins featuring Guru's image on the occasion of his 150th birth anniversary, valued at ₹5 and ₹100 respectively.

There are several statues of Narayana Guru in Kerala, including a 24-foot statue at Kaithamukku in Thiruvananthapuram. The first of these statues were erected at the Jagannath Temple in Thalassery in 1927, while Guru was still alive. The Government of Kerala observes Guru's birthday and the date of his death as public holidays, known as Sri Narayana Jayanthi and Sree Narayana Guru Samadhi, respectively. These tributes serve to honor the enduring legacy of Narayana Guru and his impact on the people of Kerala and beyond.

Media

Narayana Guru's life has been depicted in a number of films, starting with the 1986 film Sree Narayana Guru, directed by P. A. Backer. Another film about Guru's life, Swamy Sree Narayana Guru, was released the same year. In 2010, R. Sukumaran made a film about Guru titled Yugapurushan, featuring Thalaivasal Vijay as Guru, Mammootty, and Navya Nair. A Tulu film about Guru's life, Brahmashri Narayana Guru Swamy, was released in 2014 by Rajashekar Kotian.

Guru's time at the Maruthwamala ashram (also known as Marunnumamala) has also been adapted into a docufiction film titled Marunnumamala, which was released by the Chief Minister of Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan, on August 9, 2016. These films serve to preserve and share the story of Narayana Guru and his impact on society.

Works

Narayana Guru was a prolific writer, publishing 45 works in Malayalam, Sanskrit, and Tamil languages. Some of his notable works 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. Guru's works propagated the non-dualistic philosophy of Adi Sankara, adding the concepts of social equality and universal brotherhood.

In addition to his philosophical works, Guru also composed poems and hymns, including Swanubavageethi, Jeevakarunya Panchakam, and Anukamba Dasakam. He also wrote on social issues, such as Jathi Nirnayam and Jathi Lakshanam, which addressed the caste system and advocated for equality.

Guru's works have been translated into several languages, including English, Hindi, Tamil, and Kannada.

FAQ

What was the basic idea of Sri Narayana Guru?

The basic idea of Sri Narayana Guru was that all people are equal and deserving of respect, regardless of their religion, caste, or social status. He believed in the power of education and self-improvement as a means to uplift and empower marginalized communities, and he worked to promote social and spiritual upliftment through his teachings and his establishment of temples and schools. He also believed in the importance of working toward social and political change in order to create a more just and equitable society.

How did Narayana Guru died?

Sri Narayana Guru died on September 20, 1928 due to natural causes. He had been suffering from health problems in the years leading up to his death, and he passed away at his ashram in Sivagiri, Kerala, India.

Is Narayana Guru a God?

Sri Narayana Guru is not considered a God in the traditional sense. He was a spiritual leader and reformer who worked towards promoting social and spiritual upliftment in India during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Many of his followers and devotees consider him to be a spiritual guru and an inspiration, but he is not worshipped as a deity.

Where did Sree Narayana Guru die?

Sri Narayana Guru died at his ashram in Sivagiri, Kerala, India on September 20, 1928. Sivagiri is a small town located in the Thrissur district of Kerala, and it is the site of the Sivagiri Mutt, a spiritual center founded by Narayana Guru. An ashram is a popular place of pilgrimage for followers of Narayana Guru, and it is also the site of his tomb and a museum dedicated to his life and teachings.

What was the slogan of Shri Narayan Guru?

One of the slogans of Sri Narayana Guru was "One Caste, One Religion, One God for Man." This slogan was a reflection of his belief in the unity and equality of all people, regardless of their religion, caste, or social status. He believed that all people should be treated with respect and dignity and that there should be no discrimination based on these factors. Another slogan of Narayana Guru was "Education is the base of life." He believed that education was an essential tool for empowering marginalized communities and promoting social and spiritual upliftment.

Who called Shri Narayana Guru as second Buddha?

Sankara Kurup referred to Narayana Guru as the "second Buddha" in his writings, highlighting the spiritual wisdom and insights that he shared with his followers.

Was Sree Narayana Guru a vegetarian?

Sri Narayana Guru was a vegetarian, and he believed in the importance of non-violent living. He believed that all beings have the right to live without fear or harm, and that consuming animal products were incompatible with this belief. He also believed that a vegetarian diet was more conducive to spiritual development and self-improvement, and he encouraged his followers to adopt a plant-based diet as a means of promoting physical and spiritual well-being.

How many years Sree Narayana Guru died?

Sri Narayana Guru died on September 20, 1928 at the age of 84. He was born on August 20, 1854, so he lived for approximately 84 years.

Who is Shri Naraya Guru why he remembered?

Sri Narayana Guru was a spiritual leader and reformer who is remembered for his contributions to the social and spiritual upliftment of marginalized communities in India during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He is particularly known for his efforts to promote education, social justice, and equality for people of all castes and religions, and he is credited with helping to bring about significant social and cultural changes in India. He is also remembered for his teachings and writings, which focused on the importance of compassion, self-improvement, and the unity and equality of all people. Many people continue to follow his teachings and seek guidance from his philosophy today.

What was the impact of the Shri Naraya Guru movement?

The Shri Narayana Guru movement had a significant impact on social and cultural developments in India during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Some of the key impacts of the movement include:

1. Promoting education and self-improvement: Narayana Guru believed in the power of education as a means to uplift and empower marginalized communities. He established schools and other educational institutions to provide access to education for people of all castes and religions.
2. Advocating for social justice: Narayana Guru worked to promote social justice and equality for all people, regardless of their religion, caste, or social status. He spoke out against discrimination and injustice, and he worked to bring about social and political change in order to create a more just and equitable society.
3. Encouraging spiritual development: Narayana Guru believed in the importance of spiritual self-improvement and personal growth. He taught that all people have the potential to achieve spiritual enlightenment, and he encouraged his followers to pursue a spiritual path of self-improvement and compassion.
4. Building a sense of community: Narayana Guru's movement brought together people from diverse backgrounds and helped to build a sense of community and solidarity among them. His teachings and philosophies helped to unite people from different castes and religions, and he encouraged people to work together towards common goals and to support each other in their spiritual and personal growth.

Which is known as Narayana Guru's critique of religion?

One of Sri Narayana Guru's critiques of religion was that it was often used to justify discrimination and inequality. He believed that all people, regardless of their religion, caste, or social status, were deserving of respect and equality. He argued that religious beliefs and practices should be used to promote compassion and unity, rather than to divide people and create social hierarchies. He also believed that religion should be a personal matter and that people should be free to follow their own spiritual path without interference or coercion from others. Narayana Guru's critique of religion was part of a broader philosophy that emphasized the importance of individual freedom and self-improvement, and the need for social and political change in order to create a more just and equitable society.

Who is the founder of Narayana philosophy?

Sri Narayana Guru is considered the founder of the Narayana philosophy. He was a spiritual leader and reformer who lived in India during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and he is known for his teachings and writings on the importance of compassion, self-improvement, and the unity and equality of all people. Narayana Guru's philosophy was influenced by a variety of religious and philosophical traditions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, and it sought to promote spiritual and social upliftment through education, self-improvement, and the promotion of social justice. Narayana Guru's teachings and writings continue to be influential in India and around the world, and his philosophy has had a lasting impact on the development of spiritual and social movements in India and beyond.

What is according to Narayana?

According to the teachings of Sri Narayana Guru, the ultimate goal of life is spiritual self-improvement and enlightenment. He believed that all people have the potential to achieve spiritual enlightenment through self-reflection, self-improvement, and the cultivation of virtues such as compassion, kindness, and wisdom. He also believed in the importance of living a life of service and compassion, and he encouraged his followers to work towards the betterment of society and the upliftment of marginalized communities. Narayana Guru's teachings emphasized the unity and equality of all people, and he believed that religion should be a personal matter, rather than a source of division or conflict.