Sree Narayana Guru Samadhi

Sree Narayana Guru Samadhi is a regional public holiday in the state of Kerala in India. It is observed on September 20th every year, this day marks the death anniversary of Sree Narayana Guru. He is a notable Keralite social reformer who attained samadhi on this day in the year 1928.

Sree Narayana Guru Samadhi 2023

Thu , 21st Sep 2023

Narayana Guru was born on 20th August, 1855 in the village of Chempazhanthy near Thiruvananthapuram. His parents were Madan Asan and Kuttiyamma. Narayana Guru was a pioneer for many social reforms and fought against social injustice in the caste-ridden society of those days. Narayana Guru promoted social equality and spiritual reformations. He began his early education at Travencore in a Gurukul from the Guru Chempazhanthi Mootha Pillai, followed by learning Vedas, Upanishads and other texts in Sanskrit from Sri Raman Pillai Asan. After returning to his village, he began teaching the local children.

Shortly after which he left his home to commence his life as a social reformer. He met Chattampi Swamikal and was introduced to Ayyavu Swamikal from whom he learned meditation and yoga. He lived a hermit life eight years. He returned to Aruvipuram and consecrated Aruvipuram Shiva Temple. Later in 1903, the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam (SNDP Yogam) was founded in this place.

He went on to build and consecrate many temples. Then, He shifted to Sivagiri in Varkala and founded a school to educate children of all caste. One of the popular social protest led by Narayana Guru is Vaikom Satyagraha. He has written and translated many books on spirituality, prayer texts and social equality. Narayana Guru attained Samadhi on 20th September 1928. Since then, this date is celebrated as Sree Narayana Guru Samadhi day. Sree Narayana Guru samadhi or Samadhi Mandapam is located at Sivagiri, Kerala.

Prayer meetings and fastmeetings are organized here. Thousands of pilgrims visit here each year on this day to pay homage to the man who changed the face of social life in Kerala. This day is also a significant day in Alappuzha, Chempazhanthy and Ernakulam districts where Narayana Guru has consecrated many temples. Other than Samadhi mandapam, Sree Pottayil Devi temple, Sree Shaktidara temple, and Advaitha ashram are also visited by pilgrims on this samadhi day.

This day is also observed to celebrate his teachings and learnings. To honor Narayana Guru’s social work and efforts, the State of Kerala has announced a public holiday on both his birthday and death anniversary.