Keralam CM V D Satheesan Inaugurates 99th Maha Samadhi Day of Sree Narayana Guru

Keralam Chief Minister V D Satheesan on Monday inaugurated the 99th Maha Samadhi Day of Sree Narayana Guru at Sivagiri Mutt and urged people to uphold the social reformer's teachings and vision.

Addressing the gathering, Satheesan said Keralam was once caught in the grip of caste discrimination, religious divisions and superstitions, and described Sree Narayana Guru as a "light" who helped the society move towards progress and equality.

The Chief Minister said the Guru played a major role in transforming Keralam and laid the foundations for the state's social renaissance, secular outlook and democratic values. He also highlighted the Guru's emphasis on self-introspection, saying individuals can achieve success by understanding themselves.

"His teachings should be taken to heart by every Keralite as their proud legacy," Satheesan said, adding that he draws confidence in his political and public life from the Guru's ideals.

Sree Narayana Guru, who lived from 1856 to 1928, was one of Keralam's most influential spiritual leaders and social reformers. He challenged caste-based inequality and promoted education, social dignity, equality and harmony. His philosophy is widely associated with the message, "One caste, one religion, one God for man."

The Guru's consecration of a Shiva idol at Aruvippuram in 1888 challenged prevailing caste restrictions and became an important episode in Keralam's social reform movement. He also promoted education and established institutions that encouraged social unity and self-improvement.

Sree Narayana Guru attained Samadhi at Sivagiri on September 20, 1928, and his Maha Samadhi is observed annually at Sivagiri and other centres associated with his movement. The 2026 observance also marks the beginning of the centenary observance of his Maha Parinirvana.

Satheesan said his government, which came to power only a few months ago, would incorporate the Guru's vision into its functioning without diluting his principles.

The Chief Minister also paid floral tributes at the Guru's Samadhi at Sivagiri.