Wandering proved to be a powerful way for Guru to meet remarkable individuals and broaden his knowledge. During one such period, he had the chance to stay at the home of P.K. Krishnan Vaidyar in Perunnelli. It was Vaidyar who introduced him to Kunjan Pillai, also known as Chattampi Swami. Chattampi Swami, deeply devoted to Subramanya, was also called Shanmukhadasan. He is believed to have inspired Narayana Guru's own devotion to Subramanya.
Guru was deeply impressed by Chattampi Swami's profound knowledge of Vedanta. Similarly, Chattampi Swami was drawn to Guru's strong adherence to dharma and his intellect. Chattampi Swami, who firmly opposed social customs that created divisions among people, maintained a warm relationship with Narayana Guru throughout his life. His spiritual eminence was evident in his deep philosophical insights, remarkable yogic achievements, impressive command of several languages, and his endless compassion for all living creatures. He truly lived by the principle of equality for everyone.
Chattampi Swami's strong idealistic commitment was key to forging his deep connection with Sree Narayana Guru. His work, ‘Vedadhikara Niroopanam’, sparked significant discussion within Indian philosophical traditions. In it, he strongly condemned and advocated for the complete rejection of the Sruti-Smritis that prevented non-Brahmins from studying, reciting, or even hearing the Vedas.
Thycaud Ayyavu Swami, a devoted worshipper of Lord Subramanya and a highly respected yogi, became the revered Guru to both Sree Narayana Guru and Chattampi Swami. His profound wisdom earned him special admiration from the Maharajas of Travancore, including Aayilyam Tirunal, Vishakam Tirunal, and Sree Moolam Tirunal. Ayyavu Swami's teachings focused on knowledge, yoga, and devotion, and among his notable disciples, Chattampi Swami and Narayana Guru stood out for their mastery of yogic knowledge and other spiritual powers (siddhis).
Both Chattampi Swami and Sree Narayana Guru keenly understood the urgent need for a spiritual revitalization within Kerala society. To build the spiritual strength necessary for this enormous undertaking, they engaged in periods of solitary meditation, most notably at Maruthwamala. It was during this crucial period, on an auspicious Chitra Pournami day, that Ayyavu Swami formally accepted Nanu as his disciple and imparted deep spiritual teachings.
Ayyavu Swami himself demonstrated a profound sense of equality, rising above all caste and religious divides. He firmly believed that neither worldly pursuits nor spiritual aspirations needed to be sacrificed for the other, advocating a balanced, holistic approach. In honor of Subramanya, Chattampi Swami took the name Shanmukhadasan, and Narayana Guru became Shanmukhabhaktan. After their time with Ayyavu Swami, these revered devotees embarked on a spiritual journey across the country.
