Sivagiri Mutt Kerala

Located in the city of Varkala, Sivagiri Mutt is a renowned holy destination to visit. It is the headquarters of the Sree Narayana Dharma Sangham- an organization of the great reformer Sree Narayana Guru's disciples and followers. It is one of the popular pilgrim destinations in Kerala which captivates pilgrims from India and abroad. It is located on elevated plateau and is enclosed by greenery.

Sivagiri Mutt is sprawled over an area of 200 acres and you will be attracted by the unique multi-tiered white terraces of the mutt while getting inside. It is believed that the Sree Narayan Guru, the social reformer breathed his last in 1928. It was the residence of Sree Narayana Guru during his life and after his death the place holds his Samadhi and displays his personal stuffs. Many tourists flock this place every year during the Sivagiri Pilgrimage days i.e. 30th December to 1st January.

History

Sree Narayana Guru was a keen lover of natural beauty and serene ambience at Varkala and so he built a hermitage on the top of the Sivagiri hill in the year 1904, which later on turned into a major pilgrim centre. Later the Travancore State Government offered Sivagiri Hill to the Guru. Not only this, some locals of nearby place also offered land to him. Hence, Sivagiri became the nerve centre of all Sree Narayana Movements.

Besides Guru, there were many social reformers like Dr. P. Palpu and the popular Malayam poet Kumaran Asan who also assisted in establishing the Mutt at Sivagiri. They were keen followers of the Guru and had excellent ideas on reclamation of the society. Keeping these in mind, Guru also established an elementary school here. In fact, a night school was also established for the illiterate people of lower caste. When his adherents wanted to set up a temple here, the Guru dedicated it to the Goddess of Knowledge (Saraswati) and hence Sivagiri Saradha Temple was set up in the year 1912. It is made in the shape of octagonal and was designed by Guru himself.

Timings

It remains open from early morning 5:30 AM to 12:00 PM and in the evening from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM.