Rabindranath Tagore and Sree Narayana Guru, both revered visionaries, shared remarkable similarities. Tagore, a key inspirer of the Indian Renaissance, and Narayana Guru, the great preceptor who awakened the people of Kerala, were both affectionately known as 'Gurudev'. Their historic meeting occurred when Tagore visited Kerala to raise funds for Shantiniketan, accompanied by C.F. Andrews. Tagore was profoundly impressed by Guru, remarking that he had never encountered anyone radiating such spiritual brilliance. Andrews, too, noted that he saw God in human form in Guru. Kumaran Asan's poem ‘Divyakokilam’ beautifully captures Tagore during this significant visit to Kerala.
While many great personalities sought out Narayana Guru, the Guru himself made a visit to Ramana Maharshi. In 1916, Guru traveled to Ramana Maharshi's Ashram in Thiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu. This was particularly notable as Maharshi, during a period of strong caste distinctions in South India, welcomed all residents regardless of their caste or origin, earning him the title 'Bhagavan' from his disciples.
The invitation for Guru to visit Thiruvannamalai came from Maharshi's disciple, who learned that Guru was in Kancheepuram for the stone-laying ceremony of the Sree Narayana Seva Ashram. Guru met Ramana Maharshi at Skanda Ashram on the mountain. As both were Advaita ascetics, their greeting was in silence. Guru meditated for a while and shared lunch with Maharshi before departing. Following this encounter, Guru composed five verses titled ‘Nirvruthipanchakam’ and sent them to Maharshi.
The 1925 visit of Diwan Watts, a foreign Diwan of Travancore, highlights the widespread interest in meeting Narayana Guru, even among foreigners. Watts conveyed his happiness at meeting the revered sage and greatly admired the natural beauty of Varkala. Their discussions delved into various challenges confronting the people of Travancore, with Watts specifically pointing out the communal divisions prevalent among administrators. In response, Guru advised showing special compassion towards the disadvantaged sections of society. Watts' biographers regarded him as a great soul, akin to a Maharshi, which perhaps explains his profound eagerness to meet a spiritual leader of Guru's stature.
