NEWS – President Droupadi Murmu inaugurates Mahasamadhi centenary of Sree Narayana Guru at Sivagiri Mutt, honoring the spiritual leader’s legacy of equality and social reform.

HIGHLIGHTS

About Sree Narayana Guru

• Born: 20 August 1856, Chempazhanthy, Kerala
• Died: 20 September 1928, Sivagiri, Kerala
• A saint, philosopher, and social reformer who spearheaded the Kerala renaissance.
• Belonged to the Ezhava community, which faced severe caste discrimination.

 Spiritual and Social Reform

• Studied yoga and meditation under Ayyavu Swamikal; lived as a hermit for eight years.
• Advocated non-violence, social equality, and spiritual freedom.
• His philosophy:

“Oru Jathi, Oru Matham, Oru Daivam, Manushyanu”
(One Caste, One Religion, One God for Mankind)

Major Movements and Contributions

• Aruvippuram Movement (1888):
  • Consecrated a Shiva idol at Aruvippuram, challenging caste-based temple restrictions.
• Temple Reforms:
  • Established 40+ temples across Kerala for all castes.
• SNDP Yogam (1903):
  • Founded Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam to uplift backward classes.
  • Kumaran Asan served as General Secretary.
• Sivagiri Math (1904):
  • Founded near Varkala; promotes education, cleanliness, and social upliftment.
• Vaikom Satyagraha:
  • Supported the movement against untouchability and caste discrimination.

 Literary Works

• Advaitha Deepika, Atmavilasam, Daiva Dasakam, Brahmavidya Panchakam – emphasize Advaita Vedanta and equality.