Sree Narayana Guru, also known as Narayana Guru, was a prominent social reformer, philosopher, and spiritual leader from Kerala, India. He lived from 1856 to 1928. Guru’s teachings and actions had a significant impact on various aspects of society, including caste reforms, education, empowerment of marginalized communities, and the promotion of social equality. Guru advocated for the principles of One Caste, One Religion, and One God, emphasizing the importance of individual liberation and spiritual enlightenment. Guru believed that spiritual and social growth could be attained by education and the establishment of learning centers. Thus, he built several temples, schools, and education centers for the underprivileged. Sree Narayana Guru’s contributions are considered instrumental in transforming the social fabric of Kerala and promoting harmony and equality among its people.
Biography of Guru
1856: Born in Chembazhanthi on August 20th. (Chathayam in the month of Chingam).
1860: Commencement of education with Achhan Matanashan as the first teacher, followed by Krishnan Vaidyar and Raman Vaidyar.
1871: Started studying Sanskrit language, astrology, and medicine.
1872: Began reading Tamil books.
1877: Advanced studies under Kummampalli Raman Pilla Ashan and Waranappilli Chovvanur Kalarhi.
1881: Started a school in Chembazhanthi and received the title “Nanu Ashan” from the local community.
1881: Guru went on a rigorous penance in the Pillathadam cave on the crest of Marutwamala from 1881 to 1885, and it allowed him to gain cosmic consciousness which he advocated in Atmopadesha Shatakam.
1884: Father’s demise. Met Taikkattu Ayyavu, practiced yoga, and undertook asceticism.
1887: Authored the play ‘Kali Nadakam’ while staying in the caves of Aruvippuram.
1888: Shiva consecration at Aruvippuram, promoting fraternity without caste differences or religious hatred.
1889: Mannanthala Devi consecration and meeting with Kumaru (Kumaranashan) and Swami Vivekananda.
1892: Consecration of a thousand temples.
1893: Kolathukara Shiva consecration and involvement in temple affairs at Aruvippuram.
1895: Accompanied Dr. Palpu to Bangalore.
1898: Formation of Aruvippuram Temple Yogam.
1903: Registered SNDP Yogam, composed “Authopadesha Shatakam.”
1904: Established Shree Shivagiri Math, founded a school in Vakkom, organized a conference against social injustices, and started a night school for lower-caste individuals.
1908: Constructed Pillayar temple in Kottar, established Shivagiri Sharada Mutt, consecrated Kozhikode Shri Kanteswara Temple, and inaugurated the magazine “Mangalapathram.”
1911: Travelled in South India.
1912: Sivagiri Sharada Pratishtha.
1914: Established Aluva Advaithashram and Advaitashram Sanskrit School.
1916: Propagated the message of no caste and the importance of schools, authored “Darshanamala” and conducted the “Kolambu Yatra.”
1918: First Sri Lankan visit.
1924: Organized All Kerala Sahodara Sangam Conference, formed Trivandrum Labor Association, and hosted a pan-Asian religious conference in Aluva. Supported Vaikom Satyagraha.
1925: Mahatma Gandhi’s visit and foundation stone laying for Brahmavidyalaya.
1926: Established Sivagiri Free Industrial and Agricultural Gurukula.
1927: Consecration of Kalavankode Temple.
1928: Registered Shree Narayana Dharma Sangham and Mahasamadhi on September 20th
1928: Permission was granted for the pilgrimage to Sivagiri with emphasis on the following topics in the discourses of the knowledgeable individuals:
The proclamation of the pilgrimage at Sivagiri, including the lectures on these subjects given throughout the year, was accompanied by the Guru’s teachings on the five purifications: “Physical purity, verbal purity, mental purity, purity of the senses, purity of the home.” The Guru also prescribed the five basic principles: “Non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, celibacy, and non-possession.
The Mahasamadhi – September 20, 1928 (Malayalam Era: Kanni 5, 1104)