Thiruvananthapuram, 25 April (H.S.): Renowned writer, philosopher, and spiritual teacher Muni Narayana Prasad passed away early Saturday morning at the age of 87. He breathed his last at 3:55 a.m. at a private medical college hospital, marking the end of an era in Indian philosophical thought and spiritual discourse.

A widely respected figure in spiritual and intellectual circles, Muni Narayana Prasad was the founder of the Narayana Gurukula Foundation in Varkala. He played a pivotal role in interpreting and propagating Indian philosophy and Vedanta for contemporary audiences, bridging traditional wisdom with modern understanding.

In recognition of his immense contribution to Indian thought, he was conferred the Padma Shri in 2024. Over the decades, he authored more than 130 books, including around 100 in Malayalam and 30 in English. His works include detailed commentaries on major Upanishads such as Aitareya, Isha, Kena, Prashna, Mandukya, Taittiriya, Shvetashvatara, and Chandogya. His English interpretation of the Bhagavad Gita, titled Life’s Pilgrimage Through the Gita, remains one of his most acclaimed contributions.

Born into a conventional academic path, he initially trained as a civil engineer and began his career in the Kerala government’s Public Works Department. However, in 1968, he resigned from his position to join the Narayana Gurukula, an institution established in 1923 by Nataraja Guru, a disciple of Narayana Guru.

He later became the head of the Gurukula in 1999, expanding its presence across India and abroad, with centres in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Singapore, Fiji, and the United States. He also led the Gita Ashram in Fiji between 1989 and 1991.

Muni Narayana Prasad was a recipient of several honours, including the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award. His legacy as a thinker, teacher, and interpreter of India’s spiritual heritage will continue to inspire generations.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman