In the field of comparative religion, many scholars, academics, and religious figures have looked at the relationships between Hinduism and other religions.
Ayya Vaikundar also known as Siva Narayana or Vaikunda Swami was the founder of the Ayyavazhi faith. The Ayyavazhis believe him to be the first and foremost Purna avatar of Eka-Paran and the god Vishnu (Narayana). As per Ayyavazhi mythology detailed in their scriptures, Ayya Vaikundar incarnated in 1833, when he rose from the sea of Tiruchendur in the mortal shell of Vaikundar.
Ayyavazhi is a Hindu denomination that originated in South India during the 19th century.
Swamithope is the name of a village that lies southeast of the City of Nagercoil, the capital of the District of Kanyakumari in the State of Tamil Nadu, at the extreme southern tip of India. In the past, Swamithope was known by the name Poovandanthoppe which was part of the village, Sasthankutty Vilai Swamithope lies about half-way between the cities of Nagercoil and Kanniyakumari on the Nagercoil-Kanniyakumari road. Swamithope is located at 8.12°N 77.49°E
Nizhal Thangal also called Inai Thangals) are secondary worship places of the Ayyavazhi, often smaller in size than Pathis, built per the instructions of Akilattirattu Ammanai. Cleanliness is strictly enforced.
Ambala Pathi, also known as Pallathu pathi or Moolakunda pathi, is one of the primary pathi of the Ayyavazhi, and the second important pilgrim center of Ayyavazhi and the place where Ayya Vaikundar is said to have unified all divine power into himself by symbolic marriages.
Mutta Pathi, is one of the Pancha pathi, which are the primary centers for worship of the Ayyavazhi. This is the third important pilgrim center of Ayyavazhi. This place earn the religious importance in Akilam from the event that, Ayya Vaikundar is given two Vinchais here by Narayana under the Sea; One just before the arrest of Vaikundar by Swathi Thirunal and the second after the completion of Thuvayal Thavasu.
Thamaraikulam Pathi, is one among the Pancha pathi, the five holy places of Ayyavazhi. The Ari Gopalan Citar, who wrote the Akilam was born here.
In the second yukam called Chathura Yukam, according to Ayyavazhi mythology one of the six Pieces of Kroni was formed as a creature with the name of Kuntomasali with the shape and size of a mammoth leech, and when it disturbed the tavam of those in Thavalokam, Lord Narayana destroyed it by catching it in a hook.
Pancha pathi are the five important pilgrim centers of Ayyavazhi. These are also considered as the primary Pathis and as worship centers of Ayyavazhi with primary status. The first pathi is Swamithope pathi itself and is the headquarters of Ayyavazhi. The other Pathis are Muttappathi, Thamaraikulam Pathi, Ambalappathi and Pooppathi.
According to Akilattirattu Ammanai, the scripture of the Ayyavazhi religion, Ayya Vaikundar, the Incarnation of Lord Narayana in Kali Yukam, has five Seedar (disciples). They were in the previous Dwapara Yukam as Pandavas who were transmigrated as disciples of Vaikundar in this Yuga.
In the literature of Hinduism, Vinchai are proclamations and instructions to the newly born child Vaikundar, by his father Lord Narayana, also known as Vishnu, one of the three godheads in Akilathirattu Ammanai, the source of Ayyavazhi mythology. Three such Vichais took place during the period of Vaikundar; the first in Thiruchendur, immediately after his incarnation; the venue second and third Vinchais are in Muttapathi (sea), one by one between his incarnational activities.
Avathara Pathi is a phrase in Tamil which represents 'The place where God incarnates'. The Avathara Pathi is one among the holy places of Ayyavazhi, in Thiruchendur. Avathara Pathi is located half-a-mile south to the Murugan Temple, at the sea-shore."Makara Theertham", the primary sea-Teertha is located here.
The Ayotha Amirtha Gangai is a mythical river found in the text Akilathirattu Ammanai, the source of Ayyavazhi mythology. Ayotha Amirtha Gangai was located in Ayotha Amirtha Vanam, the place where Thirumal, through the instrumentality of the Seven Virgins, gave birth to the Santror Makkal. The land is surrounded by Sri Rangam in the north, Mount Thirikonam in the south, Puttaapuram in the east and Poonkavu in the west.
The following outline is provided as an overview and topic guide to Ayyavazhi:
Ayyavazhi, a belief system originating from South India, is mentioned in a number of reports by Christian missionaries in the 19th century. In some of these reports, it is claimed that Ayyavazhi is an anti-Christian religious phenomenon. The rapid growth of the London Missionary Society is heavily challenged by Ayyavazhi in Thiruvithancore, which is the most succeeded venue of LMS in India and revealed in certain reports.
Vatakku Vasal is the north entrance of Swamithoppe pathi. It was here Lord Vaikundar performed his Tavam. This is considered sacred by the followers of Ayyavazhi. During the Eleven-day festival in Swamithoppe, on the eight day after the Kali vettai, scene of austerity (Ekanai) of Lord Vaikundar was performed.
An Ayyavazhi wedding is the wedding custom within the Ayyavazhi belief system of South India. Usually Dharmagharttas, Panividaiyalars from Thangals or an older person experienced in Ayyavazhi assumes a role as a Guru and is seated in the Manvarai for leading the wedding ceremony.
Anbukkodimakkal Thirucchabai is a democratic bureau established by the religious headquarters of Ayyavazhi in the late 20th century. It was one among the latest developments in the religious history of Ayyavazhi.
South Thamaraikulam is a village in Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu, near Nagercoil. It is the site of Thamaraikulam Pathi, one of the five holy places of Ayyavazhi.
