On 26th August 1856, Srimati Kuttiamma, wife of Shri Madanasan—a renowned scholar of Sanskrit, Tamil, Malayalam, and a respected Ayurveda Vaidyan — gave birth to a boy in Vayalvaram Veedu, located in Chempazhanthy village, Trivandrum district. He was named Narayanan, but lovingly called Nanu by family, relatives, and neighbors.
Nanu began his early education in Chempazhanthy and later continued his higher studies in Sanskrit literature and Vedanta under Kummampilly Raman Pillai Asan at Varanappally. Even as a young boy, Nanu was deeply disturbed by the social discrimination he witnessed—in classrooms, playgrounds, and society at large—though he couldn’t fully grasp its implications at the time.
After completing his studies, Nanu became known as Nanu Asan to many students. Despite social and family pressures that temporarily led him into a materialistic lifestyle, he ultimately chose a path of renunciation and celibacy in search of spiritual truth.
He undertook deep meditation and penance in a cave near Pillathadam, at the foothills of Maruthwamala in Kanyakumari district. After a long period of intense spiritual practice, Nanu emerged enlightened with Brahmajnanam (knowledge of the ultimate reality).
Spiritual Mission Begins: Aruvippuram
Following his enlightenment, the young Brahmajnani chose Aruvippuram as his first karmabhumi (field of action) to initiate social reform. On Shivaratri, 12th March 1888, he consecrated a Shivalinga on a flat rock and invited people of all castes and backgrounds to join in chanting “Om Namah Shivaya.” This historic act challenged the caste-based restrictions imposed by the Chaturvarnam system and opened up worship to all.
His revolutionary act gained wide attention, and soon the King of Travancore honored him with the title Guru. He became known as Sree Narayana Guru.
Teachings, Consecrations & Institutions
Following Aruvippuram, Guru consecrated many other temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesh, and Goddess Devi—each symbolizing his message of universal access to spiritual practice. Later, he advised followers to shift focus from temple construction to building schools and institutions for spreading education (vidya).
- Shivalingam at Aruvippuram
- Goddess Sharada Devi at Sivagiri Mutt
- Advaita Ashram at Aluva
Guru authored 64 literary works, which fall into three categories:
- Mystical Hymns
- Philosophical Treatises
- Simple Teachings for the Masses
Each work carries deep spiritual and literary value, making them timeless treasures of Indian philosophy and social thought.
Sree Narayana Guru attained Mahasamadhi on 20th September 1928, but his legacy continues to inspire millions through his writings, teachings, and the institutions he established. His vision of “One caste, one religion, one God for mankind” remains a guiding light even today.
Key Contributions and Recognitions:
- Most number of statues, monuments, roads, libraries, and public spaces in Kerala are named after Sree Narayana Guru.
- Sri Lanka issued a postage stamp in his honor—the only Keralite to receive such recognition—commemorating his peaceful efforts to end social discrimination.
- His life and works are included in the Karnataka school curriculum, and a railway station in the state bears his name.
- Uttar Pradesh, under Chief Minister Mayawati, installed a grand statue of the Guru at Parivartan Chowk, Lucknow.
- The Government of Kerala officially published and distributed Guru’s “Jathiyilla Vilambaram” (No Caste For Me) and his prayer “Daivadasakam”, the latter even commemorated by a postage stamp — the first ever in Kerala based on a literary work.
- In 1985, singer P. Jayachandran won the Best Playback Singer Award for the song “Sivasankara Sarva Sharanya Vibho”, based on Guru’s “Shiva Prasada Panchakam.”
- Dr. K.J. Yesudas began his illustrious singing career with the song “Jathi Bhedam Matha Dwesham ”—a musical rendition of Guru’s message.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Sivagiri Mutt and became PM on the 100th day after the visit. His private pooja room features a portrait of Sree Narayana Guru, installed by Sivagiri Mutt priests.
- Guru's biography, published by the National Book Trust (NBT), holds the record for being translated into 29 Indian languages—the highest for any Indian spiritual leader.
- Sree Narayana Guru Jayanti and Samadhi are observed as State Holidays in Kerala —a unique honor.
Legacy
Sree Narayana Guru’s teachings, social reforms, and spiritual insights continue to resonate across generations. His life was a harmonious blend of deep spirituality and progressive social reform—redefining the very fabric of Indian society. His message of equality, unity, and inner awakening is not just a historical memory, but a living force that guides and uplifts humanity to this day—and will do so for centuries to come.
Shree Narayana Guru – A Beacon of Light
“One Caste, One Religion, One God for Mankind” — Shree Narayana Guru
In the quiet village of Chempazhanthy, In the sacred soil of Kerala, A soul was born in 1856, To awaken the world with wisdom.
He walked not to conquer, But to heal the hearts divided by caste and creed. He built not palaces, But temples of love and unity, open to all.
A philosopher, a poet, a reformer, Guru lit the path with simple truths — That knowledge is power, That compassion is strength, That human dignity belongs to every soul.
He taught us to rise, Not by protest, but by progress. Not by hate, but by education. Not by division, but through oneness.
Today, his teachings breathe life Into the corridors of our schools, Inspiring young minds to dream beyond boundaries And live with courage, kindness, and clarity.
We at Shree Narayana Philosophical Research & Welfare Centre Stand humbled and proud, To walk in the light of his legacy — Building a world where equality is not an idea, but a way of life.