Sree Narayana Guru (1856–1928), Key Movements and Literary Works

Learn about Sree Narayana Guru, a revered social reformer, spiritual leader, and philosopher from Kerala who championed social equality, education, and the upliftment of marginalized communities.

Context: The Prime Minister recently attended the centenary celebration of the 1925 meeting between Mahatma Gandhi and Sree Narayana Guru at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.

About Sree Narayana Guru (1856–1928)

Identity: Saint, philosopher, spiritual leader, and social reformer from Kerala.
Belonged to: Ezhava community – faced severe caste-based discrimination.
Reformer: Led a non-violent revolt against the caste system; transformed Kerala society.
Philosophy: Advocated universal equality –
“Oru Jathi, Oru Matham, Oru Daivam, Manushyanu”
(One Caste, One Religion, One God for Mankind)

Key Movements & Institutions

Aruvippuram Movement (1888): Consecrated a Shiva idol at Aruvippuram, challenging Brahminical temple entry barriers.
Temple Building: Established 40+ temples across Kerala for lower castes to worship freely.
Sivagiri Matha (1904): Founded an ashram at Sivagiri hill, near Varkala—now a spiritual and reformist centre.
SNDP Yogam (1903): Founded the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam to uplift the backwards classes.
- Guru was the permanent chairman; Kumaran Asan was the general secretary.
- Advocated for education, jobs, and political rights for Ezhavas.
Vaikom Satyagraha: Participated in the anti-untouchability protest for temple access and equality.