Nanu (as his parents called Narayana Guru) was born on August 20, 1854 in this house in Chempazhanti, 10 miles north east of Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) to Madan Asan and Kutty.
During his early childhood years, Nanu would have a daily bath and come to worship at this temple near his home. Due to his religious habits, even at the age of fourteen he was already known as "Nanu Bhaktan" (Nanu the worshipper).This is Manakkal temple at chempazhanti
At the age of 21, Nanu was sent to Karunagapally for higher education by his uncle Krishnan Vaidyar who was caring for him after his mothers death. Being an untouchable, he could not stay with his teacher, as was the custom during those days. He was offerred a place at the Varanappally family house, a traditional Ezhava house.This is Varnappally Family House.
Sometime before 1884, Narayana guru left his home in search of spiritual knowledge, and achieved his goal of self-realization. During his wanderings, he came into contact with Chattampi Swami, who had been his senior at Karunagapally. Chattampi Swami is said to have greatly influenced Narayana Guru's thinking.This is a picture of him with Chattampi Swami and Teerthapadar.
Narayana Guru later came to Maruthvamalla in Kanyakumari to perfect his meditation and yogic practices. Maruthvamalla had a calm, quiet atmosphere, solitary caves with plenty of water and fresh air. It is widely believed that the personality of Narayana guru matured here and attained its full Guru stature.
Narayana Guru performed his first act of public work at Aruvipuram, fifteen miles south of Trivandrum. In 1888, Narayana Guru installed a Shiva statue at this temple defying the traditional orthodox concept that only a Brahmin priest could officiate at such religious functions. This event marked the turning point in the struggle of millions of people, to worship in the temple of their own choice.
