Thiruvananthapuram
The world’s top Christian leader, Pope Francis, has praised Indian saint Sree Narayana Guru and described his message as relevant for the entire world. Pope Francis said Narayana Guru’s message as a social reformer is ‘relevant to our world today, where we are seeing increasing examples of intolerance and hatred between people and countries.’ The Pope said this while addressing religious leaders and delegates gathered at the Vatican on Saturday on the occasion of the centenary celebrations of the All-Religion Conference of Sree Narayana Guru at Aluva in Ernakulam district.
The Pope said that not adopting the teachings of religions is partly responsible for the atmosphere of unrest in the world today. He said the Guru dedicated his life to promoting social and religious awakening through his message. The Pope said the Guru had said in his message that all human beings, regardless of their race, religion and cultural traditions, are members of the same human family. The Pope said, ‘He stressed that there should be no discrimination against anyone in any way and at any level.’
He said, ‘Sadly, many communities and people are facing discrimination and violence on the basis of race, colour, language and religion on a daily basis. Especially this is happening with those people and communities who belong to the poor and weaker sections. ‘Not adopting the great teachings of religions is one of the reasons responsible for unrest in the world,’ the Pope said.
Narayana Guru is counted among those great saints of India who gave the message of equality. Even today, he is like a hero for the people of Bahujan politics and social class. He was born on August 22, 1956, to Madan Asan and Kuttiyamma in Chempajanthi, a village near Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. His family belonged to the Ezhava caste and was considered ‘Avarna’ as per the social beliefs of that time. From a young age, he was attracted towards asceticism due to which he lived in the forest as a monk for eight years. He had knowledge of Vedas, Upanishads, literature, Hatha Yoga and other philosophies.
Giving the message of equality, he gave the famous slogan ‘One Caste, One Religion, One God’ (Oru Jati, Oru Matham, Oru Daivam, Manushyanu). He built a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in Aruvippuram in the year 1888, which was against the caste-based restrictions of those times. He consecrated a temple in Kalavancode and replaced the idols with mirrors in the temples. This was a symbol of his message that God is within every person. He was the pioneer of the temple entry movement.