A disciple of Sri Narayana Guru, T. K. Madhavan’s name is associated with the Temple Entry Movement. The movement demanded the throwing open of Hindu temples and roads to the untouchables and non-caste Hindus.
In 1924, Madhavan assisted other social reformers in launching a Satyagraha at the Vaikkom Temple in Kerala. The Vaikkom Satyagraha, which was also supported by Gandhi, proved successful. In 1927, Madhavan was elected as the Organising Secretary of the Sri Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam, a movement started by Sri Narayana Guru to bring about transformative changes in the social structure.
Madhavan also participated in various political movements as a member of the Indian National Congress.