Etymology of Ayyavazhi

This etymological topic deals with the origin, regeneration and evolution of various names by which Ayyavazhi is referred or identified throughout the period of Ayyavazhi history. Though the name 'Ayyavazhi' is commonly used and the most accepted term to represent Ayyavazhi there are other terms too which are used to refer it.
Ayyavazhi
The exact origin of the name Ayyavazhi is not known. The various theories on its derivation include:
;Ayya's path: from the direct synonymous derivation, which takes Ayya as a noun (naming word) of Ayya Vaikundar.
;Path of Father: from the local spoken-Tamil language Ayya (father) and vazhi (path). This meaning, derived from Tamil, is most commonly used as 'ayya', and means 'dear father'.
;The ultimate truth of Master: from Tamil Ayya (Master) and vazhi (the ultimate truth) is derived from the literary usage of the words.
;Religious system of Guru: from Tamil Ayya as (Guru) and vazhi (religious system - vazhibadu in Tamil).
;Way of attaining the sacred feet of God: Ayya as (God) and vazhi (way to unify)
The synonymous versions of the phrase are virtually unlimited, because the usage of the word 'Ayya' in Tamil varies widely. It is used to convey the words father, guru, the superior, a person of dignity, respectable one, master, the king, the teacher, preceptor, etc. The word 'vazhi' in Tamil can mean the way, a course of conduct, manner, method, mode, cause, antiquity, succession, religious system, reason, and so on.
As Muttukuttyism
This was a name given to Ayyavazhi during the late 19th century by the London Missionary Society Missionaries who is of negative views over Vaikundar. So they pour hatred on both Vaikundar and the belief centering him. They, however, recognise Ayyavazhi as an alternate religious phenomenon against or outside Hinduism. They referred to Ayyavazhi as Muttukutyism, being mistaken that Muttukutty is the one who believed as a god-incarnate by the followers.
The following is a quote from the Annual report of Nagercoil Mission district, Kottaram Division (Eastern division), of LMS for the year 1872.
Other terms
; Anbukkodi Makkal: The people of Love flag.
; Ayya vazhibadu: The system of worshiping Ayya.
; Samy Vazhi: The path of Swami (Ayya).
; Anbuvazhi: The Path of Love.
; Anbukkodi Iyakkam: The system of Love flag.
; Ayyavazhi Iyakkam: The Ayyavazhi movement.
; Vaikunda Swamikal Iyakkam: Vaikunda Swami Movement.
; Vaikundar Neri: The Vaikundar virtue (propriety, morality, rectitude, truth, system, rule, ...).
;Sri Narayanaswami Sect:
;Vaikunda Swamikal Sect:

Main Menu

See Also

Main Menu