Question

Which work of Sri Narayana Guru is written partly in Sanskrit and partly in Malayalam?

• A. Jivakarunyapanchakam
• B. Anukambadasakam
• C. Jatimimamsa
• D. Kundalinippattu

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Jatimimamsa

Jatimimamsa: A Unique Work of Sree Narayana Guru

• Jatimimamsa (ജാതിമീമാംസ) is one of the significant philosophical works of Sree Narayana Guru, famously known for being composed partly in Sanskrit and partly in Malayalam.
• The title Jatimimamsa translates to 'A Critique of Caste' or 'Enquiry into Caste'.
• Through this work, Guru systematically critiques the caste system based on birth and emphasizes the inherent unity and equality of humanity.
• The work asserts that humanity belongs to 'one caste', thereby challenging the prevailing social stratification.

Sree Narayana Guru: Architect of Kerala Renaissance

• Sree Narayana Guru (1856-1928) was a profound philosopher, social reformer, and spiritual leader who played a pivotal role in the Kerala Renaissance.
• His core philosophy is encapsulated in the famous dictum: "Oru Jathi, Oru Matham, Oru Daivam Manushyanu" (One Caste, One Religion, One God for Man).
• The Aruvippuram Pratishta (1888), where Guru consecrated a Siva idol, marked a revolutionary step against caste-based priestly dominance and social discrimination.
• He founded the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam in 1903, with the support of Dr. Palpu and Kumaran Asan, to uplift the Ezhavas and other marginalized communities socially and spiritually.
• Dr. Palpu served as the Vice President and Kumaran Asan as the Secretary of SNDP Yogam during its formative years.
• Guru encouraged inter-caste marriages and dining, promoting social harmony and equality.

Other Notable Literary Works of Sree Narayana Guru

• Daiva Dasakam (ദൈവദശകം): A universal prayer comprising ten verses, widely recited.
• Atmopadesa Satakam (ആത്മോപദേശശതകം): Considered his philosophical masterpiece, containing a hundred verses of self-instruction.
• Jivakarunya Panchakam (ജീവകാരുണ്യ പഞ്ചകം): A work emphasizing compassion towards all living beings.
• Anukamba Dasakam (അനുകമ്പാദശകം): Another set of verses on compassion.

Significant Associations and Legacy

• Prominent personalities like Mahatma Gandhi (1925) and Rabindranath Tagore (1922) visited Sree Narayana Guru.
• Tagore famously described Guru as a