SIVAGIRI: The 170th birth anniversary of Sree Narayana Guru, revered as a global spiritual leader, was observed worldwide yesterday. Given the recent Wayanad disaster, the celebrations were subdued and marked by solemn prayers. Thousands of devotees gathered at significant sites such as Chembazhanthi Gurukulam, Sivagiri Mutt, Aruvippuram and other places of worship. Special Thiruvathira prayers were conducted in temples and Guru Mandirs from 6 am to 6:30 pm.

In the evening, a Shanti Deepam was lit at Sivagiri in honour of the people affected by the Wayanad disaster. These peace lamps were also illuminated at Shivagiri, Sarada Math, Vaidika Math, Bodhananda Swami Samadhi Mandapam and the Maha Samadhi.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the Jayanti conference at Chembazhanthi Sree Narayana Gurukulam, with MLA Kadakampalli Surendran serving as president. Swami Satchidananda, President of the Sree Narayana Dharma Sangham Trust, delivered the Jayanti message, while Swami Sukhmananda offered the blessing discourse. Other prominent attendees included Sree Narayana Dharma Sangham Trust General Secretary Swami Subhangananda, MPs Shashi Tharoor and Shafi Parampil, K. Varadarajan, Gokulam Gopalan and G. Mohandas.

At Sivagiri, the ceremonies began with the flag hoisting by Swami Satchidananda. Swami Parananda lit the lamp for the Japayajna, a continuous prayer ritual that will continue until the day of Maha Samadhi at the Vaidika Math. The event was inaugurated by Dharmasangham Trust Treasurer Swami Saradananda.

Union Minister Suresh Gopi inaugurated the Jayanti Conference, where Swami Satchidananda presided and delivered the Jayanti message.