Ayyavazhi facts for kids
Ayyavazhi (Tamil: அய்யாவழி) is a religion that began in South India around the mid-1800s. Its name means "path of the father." This faith believes in one God.
Ayyavazhi is officially considered a branch of Hinduism. It is very popular in the southern parts of Tamil Nadu, especially in Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, and Tuticorin districts. It grew quickly in the mid-1800s, which was even noted by Christian missionaries at the time.
The main ideas and beliefs of Ayyavazhi come from the teachings of Ayya Vaikundar. They are also found in two important religious books: Akilattirattu Ammanai and Arul Nool. Most people who follow Ayyavazhi see themselves as part of Hinduism.
How Ayyavazhi Started and Grew
Ayyavazhi first became known when many people gathered to worship Ayya Vaikundar at a place called Swamithoppe. Most of the early followers of Ayyavazhi were from poorer parts of society. This new religion was a big challenge for Christian missionaries who were trying to convert people.
By the mid-1800s, Ayyavazhi was recognized as a separate religion. It had grown a lot in South Travancore and South Tirunelveli. The number of followers increased very quickly after 1840.
After Vaikundar passed away, his teachings continued to spread through his religious books, Akilattirattu Ammanai and Arul Nool. Five special disciples of Ayya Vaikundar, called Citars, and their families traveled to many places. They helped share the message of Ayyavazhi.
The Payyan dynasty began to lead the main holy place, Swamithoppe pathi. Other holy places came under the care of Vaikundar's followers. Hundreds of smaller places of worship, called Nizhal Thangals, were built across the country. Today, Bala Prajapathi Adikalar, a descendant of the Payyan family, is said to be a leader of Ayyavazhi. He has helped build many Nizhal Thangals all over South India.
Because the religion has grown so much, Vaikundar's birthday, Ayya Vaikunda Avataram, is now a government holiday. It's a holiday in the districts of Tirunelveli and Tuticorin starting this year. It was already a holiday in Kanyakumari district.
Holy Books and Special Places
The two main holy books of Ayyavazhi are the Akilattirattu Ammanai and the Arul Nool. These books tell the stories and beliefs of the religion. The Akilattirattu Ammanai is believed to have been written by Hari Gopalan Citar. He wrote down what the god Narayana told his wife Lakshmi.
The Arul Nool doesn't have a clear history of how it started. However, followers believe it was written by the Citars and by people who felt guided by divine power. This book contains prayers, hymns, ways to worship, religious practices, and even predictions. It also has many rules for followers.
There are five very important holy places for Ayyavazhi followers, called Pathis. They are often known as "Panchappathis" (meaning five Pathis). The temple of Swamithoppepathi is the most important and is considered the main center of the Ayyavazhi religion.
One of the Pathis is Vakaippathi. This place is mentioned in the Akilam holy book. It's where Ayya Vaikundar sent 700 families for a special spiritual practice called Thuvayal Thavasu. Even though Vakaippathi wasn't directly involved in Vaikundar's main activities, it's still seen as a Pathi.
There is some disagreement among followers about how holy certain places of worship are. For example, the Avatharappathi in Thiruchendur is accepted as a Pathi in the Akilam book. However, some followers believe the current temple isn't exactly where Ayya Vaikundar appeared from the sea. Because of this, they disagree with other devotees. Some followers even strongly argue that Thiruchendur should not be a Pathi at all, though they might accept it as a secondary holy site.
Images for kids
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Swamithope pathi, the main Pathi and most sacred shrine of Ayyavazhi.
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The Holy 'Pirambu', 'Khadayam' and 'Surai koodu' — items belonging to Ayya Vaikundar preserved at Swamithope pathi.
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The Kappu from an old version of Akilam.
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Map showing the locations of the Pancha pathi.
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The Sahasrara, shown in Ayyavazhi as a Lotus carrying Namam.
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A Nizhal Thangal near Marthandam, Tamil Nadu.
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The flag mast of Swamithoppe with the Ayyavazhi symbol at the top.
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The Holy Symbol of Ayyavazhi.
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The journey of Ekam to Ayya Vaikundar.
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The flag hoisting festival during Kodiyettru Thirunal in Swamithope pathi.
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A 'churul' prepared to be offered for Panividai.
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The door of Swamithoppe Palliyarai with carvings of the ten avatars of Vishnu.
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Kailash, where Siva gave special gifts to Kaliyan, is sacred in Ayyavazhi.
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The 'Tri-Kumbas' over the Swamithope Palliyarai, showing the presence of the Trinity within Ayya Vaikundar.
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Bala Prajapathi Adikalar, a descendant of the Payyan dynasty family of Swamithope pathi.
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The Great Masi Procession from Nagercoil to Swamithope.
See also
In Spanish: Ayyavazhi para niños
