Beyond Boundaries

The Sivagiri Pilgrimage, envisioned by Sree Narayana Guru (1856-1928) was conceived not as a ritual journey but as a purposeful quest for knowledge that uplifts individuals and strengthens society. To realise this vision, the Sivagiri Sree Narayana Dharma Sangham was founded in 1928 as a monastic organisation dedicated to spreading the Guru’s teachings. It later evolved into the Sree Narayana Dharma Sangham Trust, and in 1997 it was briefly placed under the administration of the Government of Kerala. During this crucial phase, Dr. M. Sarngadharan, co-author of this book, served as the Administrator for 740 days, overseeing the Pilgrimage celebrations of 1997 and 1998.

The Guru centred the Pilgrimage on eight transformative themes: education, cleanliness, devotion, organisation, agriculture, commerce, handicrafts, and science and technology. These were elaborated by distinguished scholars and later documented in Theertha Swanam and Theerthadana Chinthakal. Guided by the Guru’s timeless call— “Knowledge, more knowledge, and ever more knowledge”—this book clarifies and contextualises the eight themes for contemporary readers, with special emphasis on education, commerce, industry, and handicrafts. Presented as a dialogue among three fellow travellers, the book makes the Guru’s philosophy accessible, practical, and relevant. It conveys the message to follow the spiritual, moral, or philosophical way of the Guru.