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UNIVERSAL GURU

In his book, ‘UNIVERSAL GURU,’ Dr S Mohandas presents Sree Narayana Guru in >60 angles. The book is a combination of an anthology, biography, commentary and reference book. It is a creation of his 25-year reading and 36-month writing. The book in 424 000 words / 840 crown size pages includes 2350 photographs. This is the only all-encompassing book on Sree Narayana Guru.

There are 18 chapters. The first chapter narrates Kerala milieu before and during Guru’s lifetime. The author starts on Chathurvarnyam and Vedic period; covers genetic profile of Keralites, Jainism, Buddhism, Sree Padmanabhaswami Temple, Kshatrias, Nambudiris, Ambalavasis, Nairs, Thiyyas, Ezhavas, Billavas, Illathu Pillamars, Non-caste Hindus and Dalits and ends with a brief on Tipu's Padayottam, Malabar Kalaapam and Vaikom Satyagraha. The inhuman taxes, punishments and revolts are covered to give a clear picture of Kerala during Guru’s lifespan, which Swami Vivekananda correctly called a “lunatic asylum.”

The second chapter is a brief biography of Guru. There are writings on Guru’s teachers: Kummampallil Raman Pilla Asan and Ayyavu Swamikal and three famous families: Varanapallil, Pulivathukkal and Aruvippuram. The third chapter gives a detailed description of Chempazhanthi Gurukulam, Maruthwamalai, Aruvippuram Siva Temple, Sivagiri Mutt and Aluva Advaita Asramam. The fourth chapter on temples gives a fair description of temples consecrated by Guru. The fifth chapter is on institutions founded by Guru Disciples in Kerala, outside Kerala and overseas. The sixth chapter about religion covers major world religions and Guru’s concepts on caste, religion and God. Guru’s teachings, conceptions and philosophy are covered in the seventh chapter. Guru’s works are covered in chapter eight. Guru’s poetry, music and aestheticism are covered. The ninth chapter covers Sree Buddha, Jesus Christ, Prophet Mohammad, Sankaracharya, Guru Nanak and Ramana Maharshi. Guru’s relationship with Travancore Royal Family and the British and Sivagiri visits of Rabindranath Tagore and Mahatma Gandhi are also penned.

Guru’s important >160 householder disciples and mellow administrators are reported in chapter tenth. The chapter gives an authentic version of the interpersonal relationship between Guru and Chattampi Swamikal. SNDPY, Sree Narayana Dharma Sangham (Trust) and Narayana Gurukula are dealt with in chapters 11, 12 & 13 respectively. Guru’s influence outside Kerala and abroad are narrated in the next chapter. His influence on Dalits, caste Hindus, trade union movement, formation of 1957 Kerala’s communist ministry, Kerala demography, Constitution of India, Indian democracy, women empowerment, youth empowerment and national integration are arranged systematically. Guru is seen from the positions of a naturalist, clairvoyant, incarnation, physician, psychologist, rishi, guru, Saivite, rationalist, organizer and management expert in chapter 15. Guru Idols, Guru Mandirs, Sree Narayana Pillar, Guru Coins, Guru Stamps, attire, diet, routine, antiques, Guru Jayanti, inner sanctorum entry, periodicals, Sree Narayana University and reservation are dealt with in chapter 16. Chapter 17 has two parts. The first part gives an orderly portrayal of Sree Narayana events. The second part is a Sree Narayana calendar. The last chapter titled ‘Manishada’ gives an all-embracing report of Guru’s lamentation suffered during his lifetime, amid Mahasamadhi and post Mahasamadhi. The author describes Guru from every possible side.