Sree Narayana Guru - A legend among Kerala spiritual masters
Sree Narayana Guru is a renowned personality born in Kerala. Let's see here the details of his life history. He was born in the year 1856 in Chempazhanti near Thiruvananthapuram district. His mother's name is Kutti Amma and Father's name is Madan Asan. Sree Narayana Guruwas affectionately called as Nanu by his Father Madan Asan.
Sree Narayana Guru
Sree Narayana Guru is a renowned personality born in Kerala. Let's see here the details of his life history. He was born in the year 1856 in Chempazhanti near Thiruvananthapuram district. His mother's name is Kutti Amma and Father's name is Madan Asan. Sree Narayana Guruwas affectionately called as Nanu by his Father Madan Asan.
During earlier years, Sree Narayana Guru started his education in Gurukula system. Later Guru continued his education at home with uncle and father. Guru's father was also a prominent teacher in Ayurveda, astrology and Sanskrit. Guru's uncle's name is Krishnan Vaidyan, renowned for Ayurvedic treatments.
During early life itself, Guru loved solitude. Also, he was drawn to worship at local temples in those times. In childhood itself, Guru showed strong aversion towards caste discrimination. Most part of his youth was with his father assisting in tutor. Apart from assisting in tutor, he also practiced Ayurveda with his uncle during early years. How Guru transformed to a spiritual master?
After elementary education, Guru became the disciple of Asan Raman Pillai at the age of 21. During stay with Asan Raman Pillai, he was called as Nanu Chattampy. In those days, Chattamby means senior student. It was from this destination that Guru learned drama, poetry, Vedas and language.
His father was in death bed on his return from Varanappally. He then ran a village school for children in neighbourhood. People then addressed him as Nanu Asan. In most of times, he was in search of the ultimate truth by spending most of times in Temples and writing poems.
After marriage to Kaliamma, daughter of traditional doctor in village, Nanu Asan changed his role as a teacher or a spiritual wanderer. His meeting with Kunjan Pillai or Chattami Swamikal is popular in history. Nanu was then introduced to Thycattu Ayyavu, a hatha yogi by Chattampi Swamikal. Aruvippuram temple
Guru mastered various yoga practices under this hatha yogi. After some years, Guru moved to Maruthwamala in which a hermitage was established for meditative thought and yoga. This life was extended for eight long years. After attaining enlightenment, Guru continued his life of parivrajaka.
While wandering in Aruvippuram, Guru was pleased with the beauty of place. He then constructed a temple in Aruvipuram by installing a Shiva linga in place. When asked about the right of idol installation, he replied that idol he installed was not a Brahmin Shiva. Sharada devi temple at Sivagiri
In 1904, Guru decides to settle in place for continuing spiritual practices. He then decided to choose Sivagiri at Varkala as the destination to continue spiritual practice. He also started a Sanskrit school in Varkala to provide free education for poor boys and orphans. Famous Sharada devi temple at Sivagiri was built in the year 1912.
Later in 1913, he founded Advaita Ashram at Aluva. This ashram was dedicated to principle Om Sahodaryam Sarvatra meaning all men are equal in the eyes of God. Today also this statement is considered as the motto of new ashram. On September 20 1928, Guru's soul was departed from his body to unite with the supreme soul.
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