About Sree Narayana Guru:
- Sree Narayana Guru (20 August 1856 – 20 September 1928) was a saint, philosopher, spiritual leader and social reformer from Kerala.
- The Guru was born into an Ezhava family in an era when people from backward communities like the Ezhavas faced social injustice in the caste-ridden Kerala society.
- Sree Narayan Guru, under the guidance of Ayyavu Swamikal, learned yoga and meditation. This led to him becoming a hermit for eight years, during which he practised yoga and meditation to attain spirituality.
- Gurudevan, as he was known among his followers, led a reform movement in Kerala, revolted against the caste system, and worked on propagating new values of freedom in spirituality and social equality, which transformed Kerala society.
- He is revered for his Vedic knowledge, poetic proficiency, openness to the views of others, non-violent philosophy, and unrelenting resolve to set right social wrongs.
- He was one of the most successful social reformers to revolt against the caste system in India.
- He demonstrated a path to social emancipation without invoking the dualism of the oppressed and the oppressor.
- Philosophy: “Oru Jathi, Oru Matham, Oru Daivam, Manushyanu” translates to “One Caste, One Religion, One God for Mankind” and is a core message advocated by Shri Narayana Guru.
- Aruvippuram Movement (1888): Sree Narayana Guru consecrated a Shiva idol at Aruvippuram, a village in present-day Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala, symbolising resistance against social injustice, particularly the caste-based restrictions that barred lower castes from temple entry.
- The Guru went on to establish more than 40 temples across the state of Kerala, to enable everyone, including the lower caste and oppressed segments of society, to practise their faith.
- He opened several ashrams, schools, , for children and others from underprivileged societies. Here, free education was provided to everyone, irrespective of their caste.
- He founded an ashram, or religious retreat, on Sivagiri hill, near Varkkallai, in 1904. The ashram is now called Sivagiri Matha (or Sivagiri Mutt).
- Established SNDP:
- Under the Indian Companies Act, the Sri Narayana Guru Dharma Paripalana Yogam (SNDP) was established in 1903.
- Narayana Guru served as its permanent chairman, while Kumaran Asan, a renowned poet and disciple of Guru, became its general secretary.
- The Ezhava’s right to attend public schools, access to government services, and political representation were all addressed by the SNDP.
- The Guru also led the ‘Vaikom Satyagraha’ protest movement against caste discrimination, untouchability, and inequality.
- The Sivagiri foundation was established in 1924 by the Guru to promote virtues of cleanliness, education, devotion, agriculture, handicrafts, and trade.
- The Sivagiri pilgrimage (Sivagiri Theerthadanam), initiated by his followers, promotes values of purity, education, and organization.
- Literary Contributions: He authored several important works, including Advaitha Deepika, Atmavilasam, Daiva Dasakam, and Brahmavidya Panchakam.
- After his death, Guru’s birth anniversary was established as “Sri Narayana Jayanthi,” and both his birth and death days are observed as public holidays in Kerala and other states.
