“I have never come across one who is spiritually greater than Swami Narayana Guru or a person who is on par with him in spiritual attainment”, said Rabindra Nath Tagore after meeting the Guru at the Sivagiri Ashram in November 1922.
Born in a family of Ezhava caste, Narayana Guru led a reform movement against the caste ridden and oppressive society of India. As a social reformer and spiritual leader Narayana Guru greatly contributed to establish social equality and spiritual enlightenment.
Narayana Guru integrated social equality and universal brotherhood in Advaita. The idea is very clearly expressed in his famous saying “One caste, One religion and One God” for the entire humanity. To discuss and deliberate on the theme Narayana Guru organised an all religion conference at the Advaita Ashram, Aluva in 1923. “We meet here not to argue and win but to know and be known”, Narayana Guru declared at the conference.
Narayana Guru, through his writings and actions, sought to end the oppression of the lower castes in India, particularly Kerala through education and spiritual growth. Cleanliness, education and equality are extremely important, Narayana Guru preached. Anyone studying the reform movements in India will find that Narayana guru occupies a very important position in the reform movements.
Narayana Guru was one of the most successful social reformers to revolt against the oppressive caste system in India. He condemned outright the superstitious fundamental Hindu concept of Chaturvarna which made the lives of the majority of the lower castes in India miserable. The motto of the first Shiva temple the Guru consecrated at Aruvippuram reads: Devoid of dividing walls of Caste, Or hatred of rival faith, We all live here in Brotherhood, Such, know this place to be ! This model Foundation!
In 1913 Guru founded an Ashram at Aluva called the Advaida Ashram. It was dedicated to the principle Om Sahoddaryam Saarvatra (all human being are equal in the eyes of God) In this context it is very important to remember that on the question of caste Narayana Guru vehemently opposed the stand of both Adi Shankara and Mohandas Gandhi.
