SreeNarayanaGuru

[gopu]

Sivagiri pilgrimage is well known as the pilgrimage to Knowledge; as it is quite different from the traditional pilgrimage to holy places. The traditional belief about the objective of a pilgrimage is atonement of sins and attempts for salvation. But the Guru has envisaged pilgrimage to Sivagiri, surpassing the traditional belief and redefined it to suit the changing times, places and people. The objectives presented by the Guru eight decades ago, remains relevant and practicable for the future too, as he had the consolidated vision of past, present and future. In his advice to the devotees , who were intent on the pilgrimage on the eve of his life (the pilgrimage was decided upon a short while before he passed away), he had defined eight topics on which people have to gain knowledge during the pilgrimage .They are “ education, cleanliness and health, devotion to God, organization, agriculture, commerce , handicraft and technology . Arrange for lectures by experts on these topics. Hold seminars and discussions. The people should listen with concentration and learn. They should try to improve their lives by putting into practice, the knowledge acquired here .That is the way for people and the country to progress”.
This declaration contains all the required factors for all round development of the society and progress of the country. Long before the statesmen of free India started planning for national development, this venerable saint, who lived like a normal human being had blessed us by giving this road map for development and self progress.
What the Guru has envisaged through these objectives of pilgrimage, is the means of material advancement and progress of the society, based firmly on a foundation of spirituality.

Since the last 78 years , the Pilgrimage to Sivagiri has enlightened millions of people within India and outside and spread the light of hope in their lives and enabled them to fulfill their objectives in life ,