About Narayana Guru
- Narayana Guru (1856–1928) was a revered Indian social reformer, philosopher, and spiritual leader from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
- His family belonged to the Ezhava caste (lower caste as per social traditions).
- From an early age, he was drawn towards asceticism. He lived as a hermit in forests for 8 years. He learnt Vedas, Upanishads, literature, logical rhetoric of Sanskrit, Hatha Yoga etc.
- He is known for his efforts to reduce casteism and social discrimination. Also he promoted Social justice.
- As a believer of philosophy of Advait Vedanta, he propounded the idea of "One Caste, One Religion, one God for Humanity." This idea was reflected in his works of social reforms:
- Temple Reforms:
- He launched the Aruvippuram Movement in 1888. He consecrated an idol of Shiva at Aravipuram and defied the religious restrictions traditionally placed on the Ezhava community.
- In one temple he built at Kalavancode, kept mirrors instead of idols, to symbolise that the divine was within each individual.
- He lent his support to Vaikkom Satyagraha (aimed at temple entry in Travancore for the lower castes).
- Education reforms as he established the schools for marginalised sections to promote literacy and knowledge among them.
- He taught Sanskrit and Upanishads to students from all castes.
- He founded an Advaita Ashram in Kalady.
- Temple Reforms:
- He founded Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam (SNDP Yogam) in 1903 to propagate his teachings and provide a platform for social and educational reform.
- He also authored various spiritual and philosophical works like:
- Atmopadesa Satakam (A Hundred Verses of Self-Instruction)
- Daiva Dasakam (Ten Verses to God)
- Jati Nirnayam (Critique of Caste)
- Arivu (Knowledge).
- Advaitha Deepika
- Thevarappathinkangal
- Not Many, But One: an English translation of poems of Sree Narayana Gurudev.
Thus, Narayana Guru as a prominent social reformer not only contributed towards social reforms but also inspired various leaders like B.R. Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi to raise voice against caste discrimination.
Relevance of the Topic
Prelims: Questions on social reformers and facts related to them.
Mains: Questions on contribution of social reformers.
Prelims Practice Question:
Q. Who among the following is related to works, Atmopadesa Satakam, Deiva Dasakkam, Arivu and Jati Nirnayam?
a) Shankaracharya
b) Ramanujacharya
c) Narayana Guru
d) Manickavasagar
Answer: (c)