Narayana Guru - 1856-1928

'Parivrajaka' (A Spiritual Wanderer)

After the death of his father and his wife Nanu Asan continued his life of a wandering Sanyasin. He became a 'Parivrajaka' (one who wanders from place to place in quest of Truth). During his travels he came in contact with two people, who left a deep impression on him. One of them was called Kunjan Pillai. He was also famous as Chattambi Swamikal. Thikkad Ayyavu was the other person. Chattambi Swamikal was a great scholar and had studied under Pettayil Raman Pillai Asan. Narayana guru and Chttambi Swamikal were great friends with mutual respect. Nanu Asan wrote 'Nava Manjari' - a string of nine stanzas. It was dedicated to Chattambi Swamikal. Thikkad Ayyavu knew the Science of Yoga well. He taught it to Nanu Asan.
Guru did 'Tapas' in Pillathadam Cave in Maruthvaamala, near Kanyakumari ( Cape Comorin). This lonely life of intense meditation, lasted for 7-8 long years. It's a still a mystery how Guru managed to live so long in the caves solely dependent on essential plants and rare herbs.