Narayana Guru, born on August 20, 1856, was a philosopher, spiritual leader, and social reformer in India. He fought against the caste-based discrimination prevalent in Kerala society and advocated for spiritual enlightenment and social equality. Guru traveled extensively, met influential reformers, and practiced meditation and yoga. He founded the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam and established temples and educational institutions. His notable contributions include consecrating idols, promoting compassion and religious tolerance, and supporting movements like Vaikom Satyagraha. The Sivagiri pilgrimage, initiated by his disciples, aimed to promote education, cleanliness, and social upliftment. Guru passed away on September 20, 1928, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the fight against casteism and social reform.

Narayana Guru was a philosopher and spiritual leader from Kerala, India. He wrote 45 works in Malayalam, Sanskrit, and Tamil languages, including the spiritual poem "Atmopadesa Śatakam" and the universal prayer "Daiva Dasakam." He also translated important texts like Thirukural, Ishavasya Upanishad, and Ozhivil Odukkam.

Narayana Guru organized the first All Religion Conference in India in 1923 to counter religious conversions. The conference, held at Alwaye Advaita Ashram, became an annual event. His notable disciples include Bodhananda Swamikal, Nataraja Guru, Kumaran Asan, Sahodaran Ayyappan, and T. K. Madhavan, among others.

Narayana Guru received public acceptance and honors during his lifetime. He was hosted by Ramana Maharshi at his ashram and met Rabindranath Tagore, who regarded him highly. Mahatma Gandhi also visited him and expressed his reverence. Narayana Guru has been commemorated on Indian postage stamps and coins. His statues can be found in various places in Kerala, and the government observes his birthday and date of death as public holidays.

The life of Narayana Guru has been portrayed in several movies, including "Sree Narayana Guru" (1986), "Yugapurushan" (2010), and "Brahmashri Narayana Guru Swamy" (2014). A docufiction titled "Marunnumamala" was released in 2016, focusing on his time at Maruthwamala.