The Sage Who Reimagined Hinduism
 | |
| Author | Shashi Tharoor |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Subject | Narayana Guru |
| Genre | Biography |
| Publisher | Aleph Book Company |
| Publication date | 15 December 2025 |
| Publication place | India |
| Media type | |
| Pages | 336 |
| ISBN | 978-93-6523-850-1 |
The Sage Who Reimagined Hinduism: The Life, Lessons, & Legacy of Sree Narayana Guru is a 2025 biography by Indian writer and politician Shashi Tharoor,[1] published by Aleph Book Company.[2][3] The book examines the life of Sree Narayana Guru (1855–1928), a spiritual leader and social reformer from Kerala who challenged caste hierarchy through temple reform and education.[4][5]
Summary
The book is in three parts: biography, philosophy, legacy. Tharoor starts with Aruvippuram in 1888, where Narayana Guru, an Ezhava, consecrated a Shiva lingam himself, something only Brahmins were then permitted to do. He covers the Guru's childhood in Chempazhanthy, his drift toward asceticism, and the founding of the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam in 1903. The schools and temples opened under its banner admitted all castes. Tharoor treats the Vaikom Satyagraha (1924-25) and the Guru's correspondence with Gandhi, though some scholars have noted he gives short shrift to the Guru's critics within the Ezhava community itself.[4]
References
- ↑ "Lit for life 2026: The Sage Who Reimagined Hinduism". The Hindu. 2025-12-24. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2026-07-31.
- ↑ Rose, Jaya (8 April 2026). "Book Extract | The Sage Who Reimagined Hinduism: The Life, Lessons, & Legacy of Sree Narayana Guru by Shashi Tharoor". Moneycontrol.
- ↑ Jr, Parsa Venkateshwar Rao (2026-01-24). "Book Review | The Charisma of Narayana Guru". www.deccanchronicle.com. Retrieved 2026-07-31.
- 1 2 "Book Review: Shashi Tharoor Explores The Enduring Legacy Of Sree Narayana Guru". Bharat Express. 16 June 2026. Retrieved 21 July 2026.
- ↑ NP, Ullekh (2026-04-02). "Tharoor's Guru: Why the iconic reformer-saint Shree Narayana Guru matters more today". Open Magazine. Retrieved 2026-07-31.