Sivagiri Mutt in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Tucked away on the Varkala hill, the Sivagiri Mutt is a pilgrimage centre where the tomb of the social reformer Narayana Guru is located. Sivagiri is one of the holiest sites in Kerala. It sprawls over 200 acres. The town is where Guru became enlightened. It is 3kms from the Janardhana temple. In the pilgrim centre the Sivagiri Guru Samadhi, Sivagiri Sarada Mutt and Sivagiri Vaidika Madom are the main buildings.
Sree Narayana Guru is known to lead the social revolution of breaking the rigid caste hierarchies in Kerala. His philosophy of 'one caste, one religion and one God for man' attracted Ezhavas - his followers from lower castes. Guruji installed idols in temples only to prove that not only Hindus or Brahmins alone are entitled to perform poojas and rituals in temples.
Few interesting facts associated with Sivagiri Mutt are:
- Sri Guru came to Varkala in 1904 and fell for the beauty of Sivagiri hills. He made a hermitage on its top. When the Travancore government gifted him the surrounding lands, he built the Sivagiri Mutt here.
- Guruji attained enlightenment here.
- He built the Goddess Saraswati temple within the complex on a full moon day. He abolished customs like oil bathing and offering food. He abolished these customs at the Saraswati temple at the Mutt.
- Sri Narayana Guru wrote Janani Navaratna in praise of Goddess Saraswati.
- In1928, Sri Narayana Guru breathed his last here.
- Along with Sri Narayana Guru, Dr P. Palpu and Kumaran Asan built the Mutt. Kumaran Asan is another famous Malayalam poet. Rabindranath Tagore visited this Mutt.
Sivagiri Mutt is Famous For
Sivagiri is famous for its unique octagonal shape that was planned by the Guruji. Temple ceremonies held here are different than the ones held across the State. Instead of offerings, devotees are encouraged to pray in their way, by reciting hymns or sacred chants.
Festivals/Events Celebrated at Sivagiri Mutt in Kerala
Celebrations at Sivagiri Mutt include:
- Sivagiri Pilgrimage: Devotees come to visit the tomb and resting place of Sri Narayana Guru. The festival is observed from 30th December – 1st January. Devotees visit in yellow dresses. Public meetings and group weddings are also held at this time.
- Guru Deva Jayanti: Sri Narayana Guru’s birthday is celebrated on this day. It is observed in August. Colourful processions, debates, seminars and cultural shows are held during the festival.
- Samadhi Day: It is observed as Guruji’s death anniversary in September.
Nivedyam and Abhishekam are prohibited at the Mutt.
