Kottar, a significant location in Tamil Nadu along the route from Nagercoil to Kanyakumari, was once characterized by the prevalent superstitions of its populace. Central to their local beliefs was the samadhi (tomb) of Mahalinga Swami, a native of Kanchipuram, revered as a sacred site directly on the street. It was customary for the locals to offer their harvested fruits, liquor, and meat at this samadhi. Their worship also extended to clay deities known as ‘Madan’ and ‘Marutha’, with rituals like ‘Madan Thullal’ and ‘Marutha Thullal’ being performed without fail.
Narayana Guru intervened to halt these rudimentary forms of worship, guiding the community towards ‘Sattvik’(pure and virtuous) practices. With Guru's subsequent consecration of Ganapathi, the Kottar region experienced a profound transformation, receiving a new lease of spiritual life. Following this significant consecration, Guru also composed the hymn ‘Vinayakashṭakam’.
In 1912, Narayana Guru established the Advaita Ashram in Aluva, near Kaladi, the revered birthplace of Sri Shankara. This ashram stands as a notable sanctuary for the spiritual discipline of sages and serves as a dwelling for Advaita darshis (ascetics embodying the vision of non-duality). Indeed, Guru's entire work is profoundly marked by this imprint of non-duality, making the Advaita Ashram in Aluva a living symbol of his Advaita philosophy.
Integral to the ashram was the Sanskrit Pathashala, founded by the Guru, where Brahmacharis dedicated themselves to the study of Sanskrit, English, and other disciplines. Guru envisioned this institution as a beacon for public welfare, a place open to all, irrespective of caste or religion.
The institution's core objectives were to foster righteous conduct, promote equality, advance education, and provide succour to the poor. A testament to this vision was the historic All-Religion Conference convened here in 1924. Through this groundbreaking conference, Guru's radical concept—where individuals from all faiths and social strata gathered to share love and spiritual knowledge—was brought to fruition. It holds the distinction of being the first such conference in India since the inaugural World Parliament of Religions in Chicago. Following Guru's instructions, the profound slogan, 'Not to argue and win, but to know and inform', was inscribed at its main entrance.
