Born on 20th August 1855 in Champazhanti near Trivandrum, Sri Narayan Guru is one of the prominent saints of southern India. As a child he showed great brilliance any mystical bent of mind. After his formal education, he practiced deep meditation and severe austerities.
In 1880 he installed an idol of Lord Shiva at Arivippuram which later became a great centre of pilgrimage for people of all castes. A great scholar of ancient scriptures including Vedas and Shastras, he expounded his philosophy demolishing the practice of untouchability.
He founded Shri Narayan Dharmaparipalana Yogam in 1903 which aimed at uplift of the downtrodden and low caste. Besides his Tamil works, his works in Sanskrit include: Brahma Vidya Panchakam, Manicharya Panchakam, Shri Narayan Smriti A Dharma Shastra and Darsan Mala.
He died on 20 September 1928. The Government of India has issued a postal stamp to commemorate his life and teachings.