'Oru Jati, Oru Matham, Oru Daivam' – one caste, one religion and one god – this is the slogan invented by Sri Narayan Guru, a godly man and a social reformer. The renowned Sivagiri Temple, located about 45 kilometers from Thiruvananthapuram, is dedicated to him only. This temple is also known as Sivagiri Mutt, and serves as the headquarters of the Sree Narayana Dharma Sangham Trust.
Ezhavas, or the followers of Sri Narayan Guru, take care of the temple. The temple was founded by Sri Narayan Guru and a few idols were installed to prove that the authority to perform religious rites does not exclusively belong to specially the Brahmins.
This pilgrim centre celebrates the Guru Deva Jayanti, the birthday of the Guru, and the Samadhi day in August and September, respectively. One can take part in colorful processions, seminars, public meetings, cultural shows, community feasts and special rituals on these occasions.
Some people believe that the temple was initially designed by Sree Naravana Guru as a seat of the goddess Saraswathy, the goddess of knowledge. And her idol was established here on a full moon night in April 1912.