Nataraja Guru, born Padmanabhan Natarajan on February 18, 1895, in Bangalore, was a philosopher, educationist, and disciple of the renowned Indian spiritual teacher and philosopher, Narayana Guru. Despite being a monumental figure in modern Indian thought, Nataraja Guru’s contributions remain underappreciated in his native Kerala, primarily due to the complexity and English presentation of his works.
Nataraja Guru’s upbringing was shaped by the influence of his father, Dr. Palpu, a social reformer advocating for marginalized communities, and his mother, Bhagavati Amma, who provided a nurturing environment. The family’s close association with Narayana Guru imbued young Natarajan with ideals of universal brotherhood, social justice, and a fusion of the spiritual and the scientific.
Educated initially in Bangalore and later in Madras, Nataraja Guru was drawn to philosophy during his college years. Existential questions and a search for life’s ultimate truths led him close to Narayana Guru, whom he regarded not only as a spiritual mentor but also as a source of clarity amidst life’s complexities.
At the age of 27, Nataraja Guru joined Narayana Guru’s Advaita Ashram in Aluva, transitioning from a promising academic to a full-time spiritual seeker. Recognizing his disciple’s potential, Narayana Guru entrusted him with interpreting and expanding upon his profound teachings, fostering a unique bond between the two visionaries.
Nataraja Guru’s contributions transcended traditional spirituality, integrating Eastern wisdom with Western scientific rigor. His concept of “dialectical structuralism” aimed to make Narayana Guru’s teachings systematic and universally accessible, emphasizing philosophy as a guide for harmonious living.
Nataraja Guru’s journey to Europe marked a significant chapter in his life. His studies at the Institut Jean-Jacques Rousseau in Geneva and a doctorate in education from Sorbonne University in Paris enriched his understanding of global pedagogical practices, further blending Eastern and Western philosophies.
Returning to India, Nataraja Guru encountered resistance from traditionalists wary of his modern methods. Undeterred, he established Gurukulas across India and abroad, promoting his philosophy of unifying humanity through wisdom, education, and spiritual inquiry.
Nataraja Guru’s life epitomized the integration of the ancient and the modern, the spiritual and the scientific, the physical and the metaphysical, and the individual and the universal. Though his complex works often elude widespread recognition, they continue to inspire those who seek a holistic approach to life.
On March 19, 1973, Nataraja Guru attained Mahasamadhi* at the Narayana Gurukula headquarters in Varkala, leaving behind a legacy that transcends time and continues to guide seekers on the path of wisdom.
Mahasamadhi refers to the conscious departure of a spiritual master from their physical body, signifying ultimate liberation.
