Gurusagaram

Gurusagaram (Eternity of Grace) is a 1987 novel written by O. V. Vijayan. The novel is a spiritual odyssey into the human psyche. It differs in language, vision and characterisation from Vijayan's earlier works such as Khasakkinte Itihasam and Dharmapuranam. It won many major awards including the Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award, Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award and Vayalar Award.

Plot summary

Gurusagaram differs in language, vision and characterisation from Vijayan's earlier works. It is on the immanence of Guru in the life of the seeker. Guru is everywhere and is manifested in everybody. The seeker partakes of the grace of the Guru as he happens for him unawares and unconditional. The central character Kunjunni is a journalist from Kerala, working in Delhi, going on an assignment to report the Indo-Pak war of 1971. He undergoes an excruciating experience both spiritually and physically to learn how to annihilate all forms of ego.

Background

According to Vijayan, this novel was greatly inspired by the teachings of Karunakaraguru of Sree Santhigiri Ashram near Thiruvananthapuram. Vijayan underwent a spiritual transformation after meeting the guru and this change also reflected in his writings, the best example being Gurusagaram.^[1]

Awards

• 1990: Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award^[2]
• 1990: Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award^[3][4]
• 1991: Vayalar Award

References

1. ↑ O. V. Vijayan. Gurusagaram. DC Books. Retrieved 1 July 2013. 
2. ↑ "Kendra Sahitya Academy Awards (Malayalam)". Public Relations Department, Government of Kerala. Retrieved 1 July 2013. 
3. ↑ "Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award" (in Malayalam). Kerala Sahitya Akademi. Retrieved 1 July 2013.
4. ↑ "Literary Awards". Government of Kerala. Retrieved 1 July 2013.