Kumaran Asan

Poet, Social Reformer and a Philosopher

Kumaran Asan was born in Ezhava community that was condemned to untouchability. He was one of the makers of modern India.

Early life

Kumaran Asan was born on the 12^th of April 1873 at Kayikkara, thiruvananthapuram. He was named Kumaru by his parents Narayan Perungudi and mother Kali. His father was also a great poet and so was Asan as it was in his blood right from his birth.

Birth of the Poet in ‘ASAN’

Asan developed interest towards Kathkali and also classical music at a very young age. He always belonged to the world of music and poems.

At the age of 14, his father tried to get him a job as an accountant in a wholesale shop. But Asan quit the job. Later he tried to make Asan work as a teacher in a primary school. Asan quit that job too and joined college to continue his higher studies in Sanskrit. It was during this time Asan learnt poetry under Manamboor govindan Asan..

Asan also wanted to learn Tantra and Yoga. And so he worked as an apprentice in a temple at Vakkom. During this time, he started composing devotional songs for the regular worshippers in the temple and that’s how his journey of poet began. He obtained his gift of Poetry during this period.

Marriage life of Kumaran Asan

Kumaran Asan married Bhanumathiamma at the age of 45. Bhanumathiamma was a social worker herself. She was the daughter of the younger brother of Dr Palpu’s father. Bhanumathiamma remarried after Kumaru’s untimely death.

Shree Narayan Guru curing Kumaran’s illness

Kumaran was seriously ill since his birth. His father requested Shree Narayan Guru to visit his house when Kumaran Asan was 18 years old. Kumaran was bed ridden during the Guru’s visit. The saint said that he care cure his illness and added that Kumaru would become his disciple in future.

After this incident, Asan’s life got toggled. Swamy took him under his care. He was sent to Bangalore for his higher studies in Sanskrit where he obtained a specialization in Tarka Sastra. Later he also studied in Madras and Calcutta for about 5 years. It was during this period he was introduced to the English language and Asan immediately mastered his with his love towards the language.

After his studies, Asan returned to Thiruvananthapuram and worked as a dedicated volunteer of SN
DP (shree Narayan Dharma Paripalan Yogam)

Dr Palpu in Kumaran's life

Dr Palpu, doctor come reformer was also a great disciple of Narayana Guru. And therefore by Guru’s advise, Dr Palpu took in Kumaran and gave a new life to him. He guided him in his studies and it was Dr Palpu who suggested Kumaran to continue his studies of Sanskrit in Calcutta.

Works of Kumaran Asan

Kumaran Asan died on the 16th of January in 1924. A boat accident took away his life.