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As a religion: fixed typos, some found by Wikipedia:Typo Team/moss

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{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=August 2018}}
{{More citations needed|date=November 2007}}
{{Ayyavazhi}}
[[Ayyavazhi]] is a belief system originating from [[South India]], which advocates that [[Ayya Vaikundar]] is an incarnation of [[Narayana]], based on its religious scripture [[Akilattirattu Ammanai]]. Some of its core believers advocate that Ayyavazhi is a religion in itself, whereas others believe that it is a sect within [[Hinduism]]. The path of Akilam is also viewed as a renaissance of [[Hinduism]] which regenerates and organises the ideas of all [[Hindu scriptures]]. But on the other hand it acts as an agent of reformation in the nineteenth century [[Tamil people|Tamil]] and [[Malayalam]] Society.

== As a religion ==
The consideration of [[Ayyavazhi]] as a separate religion by itself is made based on the ideological deviation it takes from the existing so called '' 'Sanathana Dharma' '', that is obviously exposed by [[Akilam]] centering [[Vaikundar]]. The supremacy of Vaikundar is highly portrayed since the '' 'formless absolute' '' or the '' 'supreme self' '' [[Ekam]] is that which came in the form of him which was ever first through the ages. And so the beliefs, [[ideology]] and [[philosophy]] of [[Ayyavazhi]] are viewed with the activities of [[Vaikundar]] as the epi-center, which in turn contrasts with the inclusionistic nature of the existing Sanathana. The philosophy of Ayyavazhi starts with the [[monism]] during creation and evolved as [[polytheism]] till the end of [[Dvapara Yuga]], further evolved to [[henotheism]] till the incarnation of [[Vaikundar]] and then onwards turns [[panentheistic]] highlighting Vaikundar as the overall supreme, making it unique.

The ''[[Yuga Dharma|yuga-dharma]]'' for the [[Kali yuga]] is '' 'Preaching the Gospel of Vaikundar' '', says [[Akilam]], making it to move further from the mainstream [[Hinduism]]. Apart from this the list of Primary [[Avatar]]s provided by [[Akilam]] is different from that of the [[Hindu scriptures]]. Also [[Vaikundar]] is considered supreme to all others in Akilam; sociologically, [[Monotheism]] is advocated varying extremely from the Hindu [[Polytheism]].

The '' 'Ultimate refuge to Almighty' '' - the worship form in Ayyavazhi which replaces the domination of ritual importance in Hindu form of worship, is advocated in [[Akilam]] as the best way to attain the personal liberation. Mass prayer is the main form of worship in Ayyavazhi unlike in [[Hinduism]]. On the other hand the [[Ayyavazhi rituals|rituals of Ayyavazhi]] is arranged in such a way that it symbolises '' 'worshipping or realising one-self' ''.

[[Akilam]] also seems to follow the [[Solar calendar]] unlike in Vedic Hinduism. The most important thing that gives [[Ayyavazhi]] a separate identity is, rejecting all previous scriptures including [[Vedas]], though it shares many ideas (that of Pre-Vaikundar era) from those scriptures. Apart from this they have separate [[Ayyavazhi holy sites|Holy places]], which are all related to the activities of Vaikundar, [[Ayyavazhi scriptures|Holy texts]], [[Ayyavazhi rituals|rituals]], [[Ayyavazhi theology|theology]], etc. and those other to them are rejected by [[Akilam]] and so the worshippers. Although the religion is strongly related to Hinduism, its theologians,<ref>G.Patrick's Religion and Subaltern Agency, Chapter 5, Page 120,121. "This fact had been recognised by the followers of AV. They addressed their religion with a new nomenclature as "Ayya Vali" (The path or way of Ayya) and thereby confirmed its new identity."</ref> several newspapers,<ref>[[Malai Malar]] (leading evening Tamil [[Daily newspaper|daily]]), [[Nagercoil]] Edition, 4-3-2007, Page 5, "சுவாமி ஊர்வலத்தை அய்யாவழி பக்தர்கள் சமய தலைவர் பால பிரஜாபதி அடிகளார்..." (this report too calls Ayyavazhi as ('அய்யாவழி சமயம்') a separate religion"</ref><ref>[[Dinakaran]](Tamil Daily), [[Nagercoil]] Edition, 1-3-2007, Page 3: "அய்யாவழி சமய தலைவர் பால பிரஜாபதி அடிகளார் அடிக்கல் நாட்டினார்"(''"[[Bala Prajapathi Adikalar]] the head of '''Ayyavazhi religion''' laid foundation stone for the...."'')</ref><ref>'''Daily Thanthi''',(4/3/2006) ''Nagercoil Edition'', Page 17:"இது குறித்து 'அய்யாவழி சமயத்' தலைவர் பால.பிரஜாபதி அடிகளார் (suggesting Bala Prajapathi Adikalar as the head of 'Ayyavazhi religion') வெளியிட்டுள்ள அறிக்கையில் கூறியிருப்பதாவது..."</ref><ref>'''Daily Thanthi''', ''Nagercoil Edition'', 2/3/2007, Page 5. "மாநாட்டுக்கு '''அய்யாவழி சமய''' தலைவர் பால பிரஜாபதி அடிகளார் தலைமை தாங்குகிறார்." Translation - ("The religious conference is led by Bala Prajapathi Adikalar, the head of '''Ayyavazhi religion'''.") (This news from a leading news paper in India, on reporting the 175-th [[Ayya Vaikunda Avataram]], calls Ayyavazhi as a religion and [[Bala Prajapathi Adikalar]] as the head of '''Ayyavazhi religion'''.</ref> magazines,<ref>[http://www.tamilstar.com/news/publish/article_3251.shtml www.tamilstar.com] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070520061836/http://www.tamilstar.com/news/publish/article_3251.shtml |date=2007-05-20 }}, Sujibala without a blouse in Ayyavazhi (Preview about the Film 'Ayyavazhi'), 5-17-2007, ''"They follow a religion based on his principles, which is called '''Ayyavazhi'''."''</ref> and some academics<ref>G.Patrick's ''Religion and Subaltern Agency'', Chapter 5, Page 120,121. ''"it may be concluded that, it may be concluded that AV emerged as a 'new and singular' religious phenomenon in that context"''</ref><ref>Tha. Krishna Nathan's, ''Ayyaa vaikuNdarin vaazvum sinthanaiyum'',(Tamil), Chapter - 4, page 62: "அவர் (வைகுண்டர்) மாற்றுப் பிறப்பு பெற்ற நாளே அய்யாவழி சமய மரபு தோற்றம் பெற்ற நாள்(கி.பி.1833) எனக் கூறலாம்." (The day at which Vaikundar is given rebirth could be considered as the date of origin of 'Ayyavazhi religion'.)</ref> consider it a separate religion. Certain groups outside Ayyavazhi also recognize it as a separate religion, including some social,<ref>V.T. Chellam's ''Thamizhaka Varalarum Panpadum'' Chapter 12, Page 493 Heading "Vaikunda Samikal'' (1810 - 1851) " Line 11: "அய்யா வழி சமயம் உதயமாகியது", ''(Ayyavazhi religion gets originated)''.</ref> as well as religious,<ref>Samuel Mateer, ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=ZGlzKB4S8NQC&dq=Samuel+Mateer,+The+Land+of+Charity&ots=yyUQ78KIQY&sig=7ZfAdI3aGuMZhqWNEffHA_7aYTM&prev=http://www.google.co.in/search%3Fhl%3Den%26q%3DSamuel%2BMateer%252C%2BThe%2BLand%2Bof%2BCharity%26btnG%3DGoogle%2BSearch%26meta%3D&sa=X&oi=print&ct=result&cd=1&q=Samuel%20Mateer,%20The%20Land%20of%20Charity&pgis=1 The Land of Charity]'', ''[https://www.amazon.com/dp/8120603192]'' page 222 - 223, "this singular people display considerable zeal in the defence and propagation"</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.christian-bible.com/Ethics/Rights/Book/fhr.n.nsew.htm |title= www.christian-bible.com|accessdate=2007-02-05 |format= Notes|work= Note number 43: "In 1986 Hindu, Muslim, Christian, and Ayya Vazhi leaders joined in a common statement of belief. See "Kanyakumari Declaration: On Inter-Religious Social Action towards Justice and Peace" stating Ayyavazhi as separate religion outside Hinduism.}}</ref> faculties.

== As a Hindu sect ==
Though Ayyavazhi has a separate outlook as a religion outside [[Hinduism]] the basic beliefs are based on the ultimate [[Dharma]] which is the core of the present '' 'Sanathana Dharma' '', gives an idea that [[Ayyavazhi]] is a sect inside [[Hinduism]]. The [[Ayyavazhi mythology|Akilam based mythology]] is closely related to that of the mainstream [[Hindu scriptures]]. The basic doctrine is that '' 'to realise the invisible' '' (the ultimate [[monism|monistic]] power) in the midst of the visibles, which is similar to that of [[Hinduism]] where the aim of [[Ātman (Hinduism)|atman]] is 'to attain [[Dharma]] (the supreme knowledge) . Many [[ritual]]s such as circumambulating temples and wearing symbols in the fore-head in Ayyavazhi resembles that of Hinduism with minimal variations.

The [[Ayyavazhi theology|theology]], by all means make [[Vaikundar]] 'the Supreme' which makes it a unique sect than any others within [[Hinduism]]. Though Vaikundar is the incarnation of [[Ekam]] - the supreme, since [[Narayana]] plays a double role as father of Vaikundar and being within Vaikundar, the theology moves somehow in the path of [[Vaishnavism]]. Strengthening this, [[Akilam]] also says in some places, especially in the Akilam one as '' 'Athi Narayana' '' to be the supreme. But during the creation it says '[[Sivam]]' to be the supreme and in some places ([[Thiruvasakam (Ayyavazhi)|Thiruvasakam - 2]]) [[Ekam]] as the utmost power. The very same idea moves Ayyavazhi closer to several sects of Hinduism.

While the other Hindu sects advocates the mythical manifestations as gods, [[Akilam]] refers Vaikundar, a mytho-historical figure as '' 'Ayya' '' (Father) of Mankind. All the prayer forms in [[Ayyavazhi scriptures]] are viewed referring this term as 'phrase of praise'. Apart from following the [[Solar calendar]], [[Akilam]] also gives equal but not more importance to the [[Lunar calendar|Lunar]], which is highly respected in [[Hindu scriptures]]. All festivals of Ayyavazhi other than [[Ayya Vaikunda Avataram]] is celebrated following the [[Hindu calendar]].

== As a Hindu renaissance ==
Based on the utmost philosophy of [[Akilam]], [[Ayyavazhi]] is viewed also as a [[Hindu Renaissance]]. It constructs a typical and unique mythical-story line which includes enormous quantity of events from the [[Hindu mythology]] including [[Ramayana]] and [[Mahabharata]] which are independent to one another. Philosophically [[Akilam]] gives space for all - from the deep-rooted [[polytheism]] (in the [[Hindu]] society) to the supreme [[monism]] of an intellectual [[Hindu]]. It also deals with the [[Shiva|Siva]]-dominant [[Saivite]] ideology, [[Vishnu]]-dominant [[Vaishnavism|Vaishnava]], [[Shakti]] dominant [[Saktism]], and [[Smartism]] where all the [[Shiva|Siva]], [[Brahma]] and [[Vishnu]] gains equal status, though with limited time spans.

All scriptures of Hinduism including [[Vedas]], [[Āgama (Hinduism)|Agamas]], [[Upanishads]], [[Purana]], [[Shastras]] are referred to in [[Akilam]], their core concepts are churned out on one hand and on the other all those above mentioned scriptures are rejected and the uniqueness of Akilam os portrayed. Almost all god-heads of Hinduism including the higher-forms such as [[Shiva|Siva]], [[Brahma]], [[Ganesh]], [[Muruga]] etc. and the lower folk deities such as [[Kali]], Madan ([[Ayyanar]]) etc. are included with appropriate mythical power-relations.

In [[Akilam]] all those high-sensible knowledge in the [[Hindu scriptures]] is made understandable for the common mass in the ordinary language (colloquial [[Tamil language|Tamil]]) being mixed up with an interlinked story line. It also says about the travel of [[Ātman (Hinduism)|Atman]] through [[Yuga|yugas]] and its final stage in which it loses its individuality and become the supreme. It also says the [[evil]] and its further classifications which acts against the evolution of [[Ātman (Hinduism)|Atman]] and also the evolutions of living beings from one form to another again with the same storyline, which is not found n [[Hinduism]]. As a whole, [[Akilam]] gives the overall [[ideology]], [[Philosophy]], [[mythology]], [[theology]], etc. of the [[Hindu scriptures]] collectively in brief, maintaining their own basic patterns.

== As a reform movement ==
Apart from all these Ayyavazhi also acts as an agent of [[reform movement|reformation]] on the social and religious ground of the 19th century [[Tamil people|Tamil]] and [[Malayalam]] society, against the then feudal [[Travancore]] government. The activities of [[Vaikundar]] and its impact over the society is the first and the greatest among the other reformers and movements.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.cinesouth.com/masala/hotnews/new/16022007-6.shtm| title= Cinesouth|accessdate=2007-02-16 |format= Daily News|work= Bhagyaraj acts as Viakuntaswamy in 'Ayya Vazhi' : "He spoke of non-discrimination way before Ambedkar and Periyar."}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.hindu.com/2004/08/29/stories/2004082904420400.htm|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20040927174958/http://www.hindu.com/2004/08/29/stories/2004082904420400.htm|url-status= dead|archive-date= 2004-09-27|title= Title unknown|accessdate=2007-02-07 |format= The Sree Narayana effect|location=Chennai, India|work= [[The Hindu]]|date=2004-08-29}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bdu.ac.in/cb-pg-his.pdf |title=www.bdu.ac.in |access-date=2007-02-07 |format=SOCIAL REFORMERS OF MODERN INDIA |work=Unit IV |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060507094605/http://www.bdu.ac.in/cb-pg-his.pdf |archive-date=7 May 2006 }}</ref> It has heavy influence over the impact and success of the ''Upper cloth Agitation'' and the ''Temple entry Agitation'' which took place later in the Tamil society. Also [[Ayyavazhi]] forms the [[root cause]] for the origin of other reform movements such as [[Narayana Guru]] Movement and that of [[Ayyankali]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://youthcurry.blogspot.com/2006/04/caste-vs-class.html |publisher=youthcurry.blogspot.com |title= Caste vs Class|accessdate=2007-02-03 |at= POSITIVE DISCRIMINATION AND THE TRANSFORMATION OF CASTE IN INDIA|quote= "Ayya’s Movement was responsible for a few important movements in subsequent years. They were the [[thol seelai agitation]], the temple entry agitation and the movements started by [[Narayana Guru]] as well as [[Ayyankazhi]], to name a few." }}</ref>

==See also==
*[[Ayyavazhi and Hinduism]]
*[[Hindu Renaissance]]
*[[List of Ayyavazhi-related articles]]
*[[Travancore]]

==Citations==
{{Reflist}}

==References==
* R. Ponnu (2000), ''Ayya Vaikundar Ore Avataram'', Ram Publications.
* T. Krishna Nathan (2000), ''Ayya Vaikundar Vazhvum Sinthanaiyum'', Thinai Publications.
* R. Ponnu (2000), ''Sri Vaikunda Swamigal and Struggle for Social Equality in South India'', [[University of Kerala]].
* A. Ari Sundara Mani (2002), ''Akilathirattu Ammanai Parayana Urai'', Ayya Vaikundar Thirukkudumbam Publications.
* N. Vivekanandan (2003), ''Akilathirattu Ammanai Moolamum Uraiyum'', Vivekananda Pathippakam.
* G.Patrick (2003), ''Religion and Subaltern Agency'', [[University of Madras]].
* C. Paulose (2002), ''Advaita Philosophy of Brahmasri Chattampi Swamikal'', Ayya Vaikunta Nathar Publications.

{{Ayyavazhi large}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Structure Of Ayyavazhi}}
[[Category:Ayyavazhi]]

Structure of Ayyavazhi - Revision history

imported>NOLA1982: /* As a religion */ fixed typos, some found by Wikipedia:Typo Team/moss