Spirituality has been one of the pillars of Indian society for many centuries. While it has mostly been used as a religious pathway to peace, some individuals have also used it as a tool for social reformation. Sree Narayana Guru was one such legendary figure who bought about a revolution in Kerala’s society powered by spirituality. A scholar, a social reformer and a saint, Sree Narayana Guru fought against various social and casteist injustices that existed in the society. Fascinated by the natural beauty of Varkala, he named the place Sivagiri and set up a hermitage which would later become the Sivari Mutt.
One of the most popular pilgrim destinations in India today, The Sivagiri Mutt also serves as the headquarters of Sree Narayana Dharma Sangham (SNDP) set up by the Guru himself. The campus is spread across a whopping 200 acres of land. The Sivagiri Sarada Temple within these premises is octagonal in shape and was designed by the Guru. The multi-tiered white terraces of the building add matchless charm to the architecture and gels well with the lush greenery that surrounds the area. The deity here is Saraswathi (Goddess of knowledge) and sits on top of a white lotus, symbolising knowledge blossoming on purity.
