Sree Narayana Guru was the Kingpin of a socialrevolution which transformed the caste-riddensociety of Kerala. His philosophy of 'one caste,one religion and one God for man' and 'man shouldprogress whatever be the religion' hadfar-reaching impact. Though in a peaceful anddemocratic way he fought against the castesupremacy and the outlook of caste Hindus,untouchbility and religious fanaticism practisedby them. He even went to the extent of installingand consecration idols in temples to establishthat the authority to perform religious rites doesnot rest only with caste-Hindus, especiallyBrahmins.

The Sharada temple and his mutt atSivagiri atop Varkala hill has now become a placeof pilgrimage. The Guru Deva Jayanti, the birthdayof the Guru, and the Samadhi day are befittinglycelebrated in August and September respectivelyevery year. On these days colourful processions,seminars, public meetings, cultural shows,community feasts and special rituals are held. Inthe last week of December, devotees of SreeNarayana Guru, donned in yellow attire stream toSivagiri from different parts of Kerala andoutside, in what may be called a pilgrimage ofenlightenment. Seminars and discussions on variousthemes of modern life ranging fromindustrialisation to women's emancipation are heldduring the days of pilgrimage. The Mahasamadhi ofSree Narayana Guru also at tracts a large numberof devotees and tourists

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