At the inauguration of the conference associated with the Sivagiri pilgrimage, the venerable Sachidananda Swami called for a timely change: The abolition of the tradition of men removing their shirts before entering temples. Abolishing this practice could bring about a pivotal change in society. Many rituals of the past have evolved over time, and the Sivagiri Mutt has effectively led these reforms. The Swami stated that all temples affiliated with the Sree Narayana Guru movement will adopt these reforms. I hope the reforms will not be limited to just these temples.
2024 marked the centennial of the Vaikom Satyagraha and the All-Religion Conference in Aluva — both pivotal events in the history of Kerala’s renaissance. The Sivagiri pilgrimage this year occurs at a time when the messages of these events and the ideals taught by the great Guru remain profoundly relevant.
The relevance of the Guru’s message becomes even clearer as we seek ways to re-instill humanity in people. Changes can be made if the Guru’s message, “Pala matha saaravum ekam (the gist of all religions is the same),” is taken to those who perpetrate violence in the name of caste, religion and race. If we spread the Guru’s words — “How can any being be killed?”, “Humans should be virtuous, no matter their religion”, and “Humanity should be the caste of every person” — we can replace brutality with kindness and avoid communal and racial hatred.
There is now an organised effort to establish Sree Narayana Guru as the exponent and proponent of Sanatana Dharma. However, he was neither an exponent nor proponent of Sanatana Dharma; rather, he was an ascetic who uprooted that dharma and proclaimed a new dharma for a new age. What does Sanatana Dharma mean? It is nothing but varnashrama. The Guru’s humanistic dharma remains contemporary by challenging and transcending varnashrama.
The Guru’s new-age dharma was not defined by any religion. He upheld a humanistic worldview that transcended religion. Locking that worldview within the framework of Sanatana Dharma would be a grave insult to the Guru. Varnashrama is an integral part of Sanatana Dharma. It follows the chaturvarnya, propagating hereditary vocation. Sree Narayana Guru defied this. How, then, can he be an exponent of Sanatana Dharma? How can the Guru, who proclaimed that “man has only one caste, one religion, and one god,” be an exponent of Sanatana Dharma, which was formed within the confines of a religion?
Marthanda Varma, the founder of the Travancore state, introduced many reforms by declaring it a Sanatana Dharma state. Even today, Sanatana Dharma is a term frequently heard in Indian politics. It is equally embraced by monarchies and communal power centres. What further evidence do we need to prove that what Sanatana Hindutva seeks is the restoration of the old Brahmanical monarchy — and that it is allergic to democracy?
In recent times, the argument that the restoration of Sanatana Dharma will solve all social problems has been gaining strength. In this regard, the salutation “Loka Samasta Sukhino Bhavantu”, meaning, “let the whole world be well,” is highlighted and upheld as a noble concept that no one can object to. However, those who repeat this argument deliberately gloss over the preceding line: “Go-Brahmanebhya: Shubhamastu Nityam” — may the cow and the Brahmin be well. When the two lines are read together, they suggest that if the cow and the Brahmin are well, the whole world is well! Just look at the convergence between the Sanatani slogan and today’s cow-centric, Brahmin-centric politics.
An idea should be followed as long as it enlightens the world and improves human lives. If humans begin to suffer because of that idea, it should be rejected. Innumerable ideas have faded into oblivion because they were not updated. But the ideas of Sree Narayana Guru continue to shed light on the whole world.
What is the Sivagiri pilgrimage for? The Guru had a clear idea about this. He prescribed eight objectives: Education, cleanliness, piety, organisation, agriculture, trade, vocational and technical training. It is clear that he aimed not only at the prosperity of his community but also at the development of society as a whole.
Let us proudly say that Kerala is now moving on this path. By raising the education sector to world-class standards, leading the state towards agricultural self-sufficiency, initiating campaigns for waste disposal, and strengthening the organic link between education and industry, the state government is moving along the path shown by the Guru.
Sivagiri is a pilgrimage site that spreads the great message of humanity to the world. The light of compassion has radiated from Sivagiri to the dark corners of time, the world, and the human mind. More people come to Sivagiri annually to absorb that glorious message, which transcends caste, creed, and all sectarian distinctions. The pilgrimage is truly complete only when they absorb Sree Narayana Guru’s message of compassion and embody it in their personal and public lives. Pilgrimages performed without the intention of absorbing his message will become empty rituals.
This brings us to the question of the Guru’s true message: One of love, with no distinction of caste or religion. There can be no greater blasphemy than attempting to enshrine the Guru within the confines of caste or religion. One must remain vigilant against such attempts; otherwise, there will be efforts to hijack the Guru’s message and present him as an advocate of what he was actively fighting against. We should ask if it’s right to confine such a visionary — who is supposed to be the teacher of all human beings — to a caste or a religion. History has recorded the Guru’s response to a question about his caste. “It’s been a few years now since we abandoned caste distinctions. Yet certain sects consider us to be theirs… We do not belong to any particular caste or religion.” Those words leave no room for doubt.
The Guru integrated three paths of action: Activism against communal superstitions and customs, action against vices like alcoholism, and work for education and self-reliance. He actively intervened in society with both messages and actions to reform it, rather than leading the life of a recluse, praying alone in a cave. He taught us that social change comes through action, not prayer.
Think about how progressive the slogan “Strength by Organisation” was in the Guru’s day and how relevant it is today. He called for organising for rights, and not against other groups.
Sree Narayana Guru dreamt of a Kerala without caste discrimination and religious hatred. He envisioned the nation as a model space of fraternity. There should be no move from any side to undermine the efforts to actualise that dream. Every pilgrim who comes here must return with a firm vow to resist such efforts. Only then will the Sivagiri pilgrimage be meaningful.
Vijayan is the Chief Minister of Kerala.
This is an edited excerpt from a speech delivered at the inaugural function of the Sivagiri pilgrimage on December 31. Translated from Malayalam by Akhil P J
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