The article starts by highlighting the recent observance of the birth anniversary of Sree Narayana Guru, a revered philosopher, social reformer and poet hailing from Kerala. The Prime Minister joined others around the nation in paying tribute to the revered Guru. In a related event, an English translation of Sree Narayana Gurudev’s poems titled “Not Many, But One” was launched by the Vice President of India.
Life Details of Sree Narayana Guru
Born as the son of Madan Asan and Kuttiyamma on 22nd August 1856 in Chempazhanthy, near Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, Sree Narayana Guru belonged to the Ezhava caste. His family was deemed as ‘avarna’ as per the societal norms of the time.
From a tender age, Sree Narayana Guru found comfort in solitude and deep contemplation. Regularly visiting local temples, he was drawn towards spirituality and composed hymns and devotional songs. His passion for asceticism encouraged him to dwell in a forest as a hermit for eight years, during which he studied Vedas, Upanishads, Sanskrit literature, Hatha Yoga, and other philosophies.
Important Contributions: Social Reform and Equality
Sree Narayana Guru became widely known for his courageous stance against caste-based injustices. He preached the powerful message of “One Caste, One Religion, One God for All”. To counteract caste-based discrimination, he constructed a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva at Aruvippuram in 1888. His innovative approach of placing mirrors instead of idols in one of the temples conveyed his belief that divinity resides within every individual.
Firmly upholding equality, Sree Narayana Guru was critical of exploitation of inequalities for religious conversion. In an effort to curb the susceptibility of Ezhava community to religious conversions, he organized the All-Region Conference at Alwaye Advaita Ashram in 1923.
Establishment of SNDP and Sivagiri Pilgrimage
In 1903, Sree Narayana Guru founded the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam (SNDP), a social organization that still stands strong today. In 1924, he established the Sivagiri pilgrimage to encourage cleanliness, education, devotion, agriculture, handicrafts, and trade.
Philosophy and Literary Works
A profound thinker, Sree Narayana Guru emerged as one of the greatest interpreters of Advaita Vedanta, a philosophy of non-duality. His literary contributions include books like Advaitha Deepika, Asrama, Thevarappathinkangal, and others.
Contributions to National Movement
Sree Narayana Guru led the societal reform movement against caste-based discrimination. He was instrumental in the Vaikom agitation, which demanded temple entry rights for lower castes. This landmark agitation drew nationwide attention and received praise from Mahatma Gandhi.
Blending Spirituality with Science
He emphasized on the practice of cleanliness, promotion of education, agriculture, trade, handicrafts and technical training. His works Daivadasakam and Atmopadesa satakam reflect mystic reflections and insights about the universe, closely resembling recent advances in physics.
Current Relevance of Sree Narayana Guru’s Philosophy
His philosophy of Universal Oneness has special relevance in today’s world where hatred, violence, bigotry, sectarianism are eroding the social fabric of many societies.
Sree Narayana Guru passed away on 20th September 1928, a day which is now observed as Sree Narayana Guru Samadhi in Kerala. His life and teachings continue to be a beacon of light impacting the lives of countless people.
Last Modified: February 13, 2024