'Being good is a universal duty, regardless of one's faith’; Today is Sree Narayana Guru Jayanti, celebrations all over 

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Today is Sree Narayana Guru Jayanti. Guru Jayanti celebrations and rallies are being held all over the world. In Kerala, where crude caste discrimination, customs and superstitions were prevalent, Sree Narayana Guru was a great man who shed light on social reform with the medicine of wisdom, compassion, spirituality, philosophy, devotion, literature, love and humor. Guru paved the way for a non-violent social revolution.

The renaissance Kerala was formed through the path paved by Guru. The Guru also molded many great disciples. If we look back, the invisible presence of Guru behind the social progress of Kerala is still evident. The Guru's philosophy influences all our fields and thought processes. Those footprints still guide society today. When Guru was born in Chempazhanthi, Kerala was in the dark age of ignorance in every sense.

It is unfortunate that even today, Malayalees have not fully understood Guru, who spread messages that enlightened the entire world in this small land. In today's conflict-ridden world, Guru's vision is of paramount importance. The time has come to bring the entire humanity to the path of the Guru. The life and message of Guru were for humanity.

In Kerala, Sree Narayana Guru Open University was started as an important government institution in the name of Guru five years ago. This university will gain great importance in the coming times when the systems of education will change drastically. Schools are the most appropriate way to dedicate themselves to the memory of Guru. In the land of Guru, who said that no matter what religion, it is enough for a person to be good, religious thoughts still prevail. Power politics revolves around the central point of religion. The Guru taught us that conversion is not necessary for spiritual salvation. That is why the ascetic disciples of other religions could continue with the Guru in the same name and culture.

Birth of Gurudev
Gurudev was born on August 20, 1856, to Madanasan and Kuttiyamma, at the Vayalvaram house in Chempazhanthi, Thiruvananthapuram. He acquired knowledge in Malayalam, Tamil and Sanskrit under various gurus. When he returned to the village, he built a Kudipallikkudam and taught children. Although he got married, he did not continue as a householder. In the meantime, he met Kunjan Pillai (later known as Chattambi Swamikal). He introduced him to the spiritual master Thaikadu Ayya. He studied Hadayoga under Thaikadu Ayya. In 1888, Sree Narayana Guru performed the Shiva Pratishtha at Aruvippuram.

Guru Devan has established temples in various places with the aim of spiritual revival. He has performed Pratishtha in Thrissur, Kannur, Anchuthengu, Thalassery, Kozhikode and Mangalore. In 1913, he established the Advaita Ashram in Aluva. He visited Sri Lanka twice. The Guru's words, 'Why do people fight each other in the name of faith? That is not the sign of intelligent people', should be strongly reflected in the attention of the world today. The Sree Narayana community should come forward for that effort.