The Guru and Shishya relationship in R. K. Narayan's The Guide

R. K. Narayan, a writer of ordinary humanity and ordinary emotions, aims at a comprehensive view of humanity. A born storyteller, he has gained a high place in Indo-Anglican Literature. The Sahitya Akademi stamped his genius in 1961 and therefore he gained universal approbation for ‘The Guide’, his brilliant masterpiece published in 1958. ‘The Guide’ tracing the growth of a corrupt tourist guide, Raju into a spiritual guide, focuses on the spiritual relationship between a Hindu Guru (Raju) and a Shishya (Velan). Narayan has tackled an invaluable relationship between the Guru and the Shishya with great interest.

The climax of the novel and Raju’s life begins with his meeting with Velan, outside an abandoned temple in a village named Mangala on the bank of the river, Sarayu. Raju, Unable to face the people of Malgudi, hides himself to live in secrecy. The relationship starts with ambiguity and uncertainty for Raju who is not sure of his future after his release from prison. For Velan, the relationship is certain as it is based on his faith that Raju as a swami and a saviour, will provide them peace and serenity.

The first meeting between Raju and Velan is significant. Raju welcomes Velan as he is lonely while Velan gazes at him reverently. Velan has a problem on his mind and Raju’s presence outside the temple makes him believe that he has been sent here to help him. Raju, ‘the guide and every man’s helper’, solves Velan’s problem and proves him a spiritual saint in the eyes of Velan and his sister. The news spreads fast and Raju becomes a swami overnight. The ignorant and illiterate villagers bring him offerings and Velan becomes his staunchest disciple. Velan, his creator remains devoted and thus he plays an important role in shaping Raju’s destiny. After careful consideration, Raju realizes that ‘he has no alternative’ and he has to play the role given by Velan. 

Later, when Raju is being forced to fast, he makes a confession of his past life of lies and crime, but Velan is unmoved. The ‘sraddha’ of his rustic disciple, Velan towards him is so deep that he refuses to believe. The devoted ‘sraddha’ of the peasant brings about the transformation of the rogue, Raju into a saint.

The unshakeable faith of the people of Mangala transforms Raju into an instrument of their will and so he feels naturally inclined to fast for their survival. Here the guru-shishya relationship reaches its fulfillment and reveals the spiritual achievement of Raju. Raju’s martyrdom is a triumph of Velan’s faithful devotion and faith in Raju.