Vada in Theory and Practice: Studies in Debates, Dialogues and Discussions in Indian Intellectual Discourses c11.s9.8

c11.s9.8

Inculcation of democratic values and spread of education amongst the lower castes led to an awakening and several socio-spiritual movements. Swami Nārāyaṇa was born in Ayodhya on 3 April 1781. He used to have discussions with local *paṇḍits* before migrating on his *kalyāṇa-yātrā* and is said to have convinced them of the practical soundness of Viśiṣṭādvaita philosophy. He visited as many as 187 sacred shrines during his journey for the spiritual quest and had discussions with several religious *gurus*. He received convincing answers to his queries from Swami Muktanand in 1799 at the Ramanand Swami Ashram at Loj, southern Saurashtra and was initiated by the Swami.⁷⁸ Chattambi Swamikal (1853–1924), a mystic and scholar, was born in a Nair family. He is known as *vidyādhirāja* (king of knowledge). He fought against the caste hierarchy and brāhmaṇa monopoly. He composed *Vedādhikāranirūpaṇam* — a treatise on examining the question — who are authorized to study Vedas. This and other books as well as the speeches by him led to the revival of self-respect amongst the lower castes.