SreeNarayanaGuru

[gopu]

Narayana Guru moved to Varkala and chose for his residence a neglected hill at the side of the canal.
This place, in due course, developed into the site of the Sarada Temple and the Guru called his new residence Shivagiri. Here, he established an entirely new model of a temple for worship. Its architecture was simple and different. For the first time in India, a temple with windows and ventilation was devised.

The Guru installed a deity which was traditionally symbolic and aesthetically perfect. The highest standards of hygiene were introduced to maintain the place as a model to other temples and temple worshippers.

The opening of this temple was uniquely marked by the inspirational ceremony of guest poets offering their worship through the dedication of hymns in praise of the Mother Sarada. The Guru himself wrote “ Janani-navaratna Manjari ”... “ Nine Gems in praise of the Mother. ” ... When Shivagiri became crowded by pilgrims and young enthusiasts, he moved away, first to Tamilnadu and then to Alwaye.
He stayed in the mutts and Adhinams in these places and helped his devotees and disciples in Tamilnadu.