Shree Narayana Guru

• PM Modi paid tribute to Shree Narayana Guru on his birth anniversary.

About Shree Narayana Guru (1855–1928)

• He was born on August 20, 1856, into the Ezhava Community, in the village of Chempazhanthi near Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
• He was a renowned Indian spiritual leader, social reformer, and philosopher from the state of Kerala.
• He was one of the most successful social reformers to revolt against the caste system in India.
• His message of “One Caste, One Religion, One God for Mankind” (Oru Jathi, Oru Matham, Oru Daivam – Manushyanu) symbolises his vision of universal brotherhood, equality, and spiritual unity.

Key Contributions

• He championed social equality and stressed the need for spiritual growth and social upliftment of the downtrodden by the establishment.
• Consecration of Siva Idol at Aruvippuram (1888): In 1888, Sree Narayana Guru performed a revolutionary act by consecrating a Siva idol at Aruvippuram, a village in Kerala.
• Opened Temples for All: He established temples, open to all castes, thereby challenging the caste-based restrictions on temple entry.
• SNDP Yogam: He founded the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam in 1903 to uplift the socially backward classes.
• Advaita Ashram: In 1913, he founded the Advaita Ashram at Aluva. This Ashram was dedicated to a great principle –Om Sahodaryam Sarvatra (all men are equal in the eyes of God).

Literary Contribution

• He is the author of Atmopadesa Śatakam (poetry) and Daiva Daśakam (prayer).
• He also translated three primary texts, Thirukural of Valluvar, Ishavasya Upanishad and Ozhivil Odukkam of Kannudaiya Vallalaar.