About Sree Narayana Guru:
- Sree Narayan Guru was a saint, philosopher, spiritual leader, and social reformer from Kerala.
- The Guru was born into an Ezhava family.
- 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.
- Gurudevan, as he was known among his followers, led a reform movement in Kerala, revolted against the caste system.
- 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.
- Works of Sree 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.
- 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.
