This is an article comparing the beliefs, mythology, theology, rituals etc of Ayyavazhi and Hinduism. The Ayyavazhi symbolism deals with the symbols which are used in or used to represent Ayyavazhi Belief is the psychological state in which an individual holds a Proposition or Premise to be true The word mythology (from the Greek grc μυθολογία mythología, meaning "a story-telling a legendary lore" Theology is the study of a god or the gods from a religious perspective A ritual is a set of actions often thought to have Symbolic value the performance of which is usually prescribed by a Religion or by the Traditions Ayyavazhi (aiavəɻɪ( Tamil:அய்யாவழி Ayyavali - "Path of the father") is a dharmic belief system that originated Hinduism is a religious tradition that originated in the Indian subcontinent. Though Ayyavazhi exists within Hinduism officially it functions autonomously.
A general view of Ayyavazhi may seem make it similar to, or serves as an offshoot of, Hinduism. Ayyavazhi (aiavəɻɪ( Tamil:அய்யாவழி Ayyavali - "Path of the father") is a dharmic belief system that originated Hinduism is a religious tradition that originated in the Indian subcontinent. But in regards to religious practices, belief, and sociology, Ayyavazhi differs from traditional Hinduism. Though Ayyavazhi followers don't call them as Hindus, as per official accounts Ayyavazhi was still considered within Hinduism.
Hindus view Vedas, Gita, other texts from the Shastra canon, rather than the Akilam. "Veda" redirects here For other uses see Veda (disambiguation. Śāstra (anglicized either shastra or sastra) is a Sanskrit word used to denote Education /knowledge in a general sense But Ayyavazhi believe they (Hindu scriptures) once exist, but now lost their substances because of the advent of Akilam. Akilam at one point, but feel they were merged by later, and that Kaliyan bought the Vedas as a Boon and so all the Previous religious books including Agamas and Puranas lost their Substances, and so Akilattirattu Ammanai was the only book of perfection. Kaliyan was the sixth fragment of the primordial manifestation of Kroni (evil according to Akilam, the source of Ayyavazhi mythology and the holy book For other meanings see Purana (disambiguation. The Puranas ( Sanskrit: sa पुराण purāṇa, "of ancient times" Also there are several dubious claims that the present day Vedas are not accepted by Ayyavazhi as books of Perfection because there is a quote in Akilam about Venneesan “Avan pilathaal vedamondruntakki” (He created a Veda of his own intention). Venneesan was a mythical figure found in Ayyavazhi mythology. In sum, all previous religious texts were lost their Substance in the vision of Ayyavazhi at the very moment Kaliyan came to the world.
Though Ayyavazhi has many differences from popular Hinduism, it has many beliefs and practices in common. As Hinduism is really a group of numerous branches, Ayya Vazhi is closest to Smartism and its Advaita beliefs in thought. Smartism (or Smarta Sampradaya, Smarta Tradition, as termed in Sanskrit) is a denomination of the Hindu Advaita Vedanta ( IAST Advaita Vedānta; Sanskrit अद्वैत वेदान्त əd̪vait̪ə veːd̪ɑːnt̪ə is a sub-school of the
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Differences between Ayyavazhi and mainstream Hinduism
Religious Practices
The religious practises of Ayyavazhi largely differ from traditional Hinduism. Akilam says that previous practices were not wrong, but that they were changed because of the abnormal, cruel nature of Kaliyan and his boons, which the Universe had experienced before. Kaliyan was the sixth fragment of the primordial manifestation of Kroni (evil according to Akilam, the source of Ayyavazhi mythology and the holy book Akilattirattu Ammanai says that the whole acts and rules of the Universe had changed by the advent of Kaliyan. Thiru Nadana Ula, a part of Akilam eight discusses this change in detail. According to Ayyavazhi mythology the situation of the whole Universe changes as the Kaliyan was born and Thiru Nadana Ula is the part which was told by Sivan The Akilam eight is one of the sub-sections of Akilattirattu Ammanai, the Primary scripture of Ayyavazhi, a religion of India.
Wearing of Thirunamam
The religious mark used by the people of Ayyavazhi is a unique one. The people of Ayyavazhi wear a vertical white mark on the forehead in the shape of a flame, starting from the central point between the eyebrows, and going straight up near the top edge of the forehead. The flame shape represents Aanma Jyothi or Atman. The Ātman ( IAST: Ātman Sanskrit: आत्मन् is a philosophical term used within Hinduism and Vedanta to identify the Soul (See:Symbol of Ayyavazhi) Zealous devotees smear it on the exterior of the upper arms and over the chest. The Ayyavazhi symbolism deals with the symbols which are used in or used to represent Ayyavazhi This white mark is unlike the one worn by a Hindu of Vaishnavist tradition who wear it on the forehead in the shape of 'U', or of Saivist tradition who wear it horizontally as three parallel lines. A Hindu ( Devanagari: हिन्दू is an adherent of the philosophies and scriptures of Hinduism, a set of religious, Philosophical Vaishnavism is a tradition of Hinduism, distinguished from other schools by its worship of Vishnu or its associated avatars principally as Rama and Shaivism, also spelled "Saivism" names the oldest of the four sects of Hinduism. The white powder used for this mark was made from coarse white soil, found at lower layer of the earth, while ash is used in Hinduism. Hinduism is a religious tradition that originated in the Indian subcontinent.
At present, those who 'serve' in Pathis or Nizhal Thangals wear this white mark for the people and give a portion of it to their hands. Pathi ( Tamil:பதி - "The place where God is" is the name asserted to the primary centres of congregational Nizhal Thangal ( Tamil:நிழல் தாங்கல்; also called Inai Thangals) is a simple temple People carry it home as holy object, and some of them even swallow a little of it believing it to be medicinal.
Wearing of Head Gear
One of the significant ritual actions that distinguishes the Ayyavazhi male worshipper from others is 'wearing a headgear' during worship. Ayyavazhi (aiavəɻɪ( Tamil:அய்யாவழி Ayyavali - "Path of the father") is a dharmic belief system that originated Ayya Vaikundar seems to have enjoined upon his male followers to tie on a headgear when they came to worship God, considering it as a crown. Ayya Vaikundar (அய்யா வைகுண்டர் according to Akilattirattu Ammanai, a scripture of the Ayyavazhi, was a Manu (father sovereign Accordingly, the male followers seem to have tied on a headgear during worship. This is to reveal that every people are kings and every one is to rule the Earth. This philosophy is told symbolically by the practice of wearing the headgear since the wearing of headgear is considered a matter of Pride. It was as a counteraction to the practice of tying a cloth around the waist, which symbolizes one’s bondage.
It became a ritual action to be performed before the people entered the Pathi to worship. Pathi ( Tamil:பதி - "The place where God is" is the name asserted to the primary centres of congregational The male devotees usually removed their upper garment and tied the headgear and entered the Pathi for worship. To this day this practice is followed.
Worship in Front of Mirror
This is yet another unique practice that distinguishes Ayyavazhi from other Hindu religious traditions. The Nizhal Thangals and Pathis have, in their sanctuary, a mirror to reflect the images of those who come to worship. Nizhal Thangal ( Tamil:நிழல் தாங்கல்; also called Inai Thangals) is a simple temple Pathi ( Tamil:பதி - "The place where God is" is the name asserted to the primary centres of congregational A mirror is an object with a surface that has good Specular reflection; that is it is smooth enough to form an Image. People pay obeisance to their God standing in front of this mirror, facing the Elunetru amidst two oil lamps. Elunetru was the term used to denote the object placed in the sanctum sactorium of the worship centres of Ayyavazhi. Even in the houses of the people of Ayyavazhi, the place earmarked for their daily worship has at least a mirror and a lamp. This placement of mirror symbolize that God is inside oneself and it is of no use to seek God elsewhere. This practice is different from the placement of murti, or icon in Hindu Temples, in that this is a non-anthropomorphic form of worship. In Hinduism, a murti ( Devanagari: मूर्ति typically refers to an image a deity in which the Divine Spirit is expressed ( murta) Anthropomorphism is the attribution of uniquely Human characteristics to non-human creatures and beings natural and supernatural phenomena material states and objects In different denominations of Hinduism, Saivites venerate the linga and Vaishnavites venerate the saligrama in a non-anthropomorphic method of worship. Shaivism, also spelled "Saivism" names the oldest of the four sects of Hinduism. Vaishnavism is a tradition of Hinduism, distinguished from other schools by its worship of Vishnu or its associated avatars principally as Rama and Sila, (also spelt as Shila or Sheela) refers to a Vaishnava ( Hindu) Murti in the form of a spherical usually black-coloured stone
A New mode of Worship
The mode of worship of Ayyavazhi presented itself to be something new in that milieu. It distinguished itself from features of worship of the Sanskrit religion and folk religions. Sanskrit (sa संस्कृता वाक् saṃskṛtā vāk, for short sa संस्कृतम् saṃskṛtam) is a historical Folk religion consists of Beliefs Superstitions and Rituals transmitted from generation to generation in a specific Culture. Instructions for abandoning temple worship, temple offerings, priestly functions, blood sacrifices, and image worship abound in Akilam. Unlike some practices in Hinduism, it says, "Do not institute Temples, Do not offer puja, blood sacrifices, do not kill animals, do not worship images made of Clay" etc. Hinduism is a religious tradition that originated in the Indian subcontinent. It was a 'new mode of worship' and differentiated itself from the existing traditions of the time.
A Distinct Language
The Tamil language is considered sacred, rather than Sanskrit, as is holy within mainstream Hinduism. Tamil (ta தமிழ்; t̪əmɨɻ is a Dravidian language spoken predominantly by Tamil people of the Indian subcontinent. Sanskrit (sa संस्कृता वाक् saṃskṛtā vāk, for short sa संस्कृतम् saṃskṛtam) is a historical In Akilam there is a quote that Tamil will be the language in Dharma Yukam. Dharma Yukam (Tamil is the state of absolute bliss as per Ayyavazhi mythology. Also unlike other Hindu scriptures in Tamil, Akilattirattu and Arul Nool were written using a simple form of language, even extracts from ancient Hindu scriptures are found in it, translated simply, so that common people can understood. The Arul Nool is a supplement to the Akilattirattu Ammanai, and is likewise considered a Holy script of Ayyavazhi, an offshoot sect
Beliefs
Apart from religious practices, a few beliefs of Ayyavazhi are different from Hinduism.
Vaikunda Avatar
Ayyavazhi believes Vaikundar is the incarnation of Narayana in this Kali Yukam, sent to destroy the evils of Kali yuga. Narayana ( Sanskrit: नारायण nārāyaṇa) or Narayan is an important Sanskrit name for Vishnu, and in many contemporary Kali Yuga ( Devanāgarī: sa कलियुग lit "Age of Kali " "age of vice" is one of the four stages of development that the world goes Kali Yuga ( Devanāgarī: sa कलियुग lit "Age of Kali " "age of vice" is one of the four stages of development that the world goes Hindus accept Kalki rather than Vaikundar as the Incarnation who will be sent to destroy such evil. In Hinduism, Kalki ( Devanagari: कल्कि also rendered by some as Kalkin and Kalaki) is the tenth and final Maha Avatara (great Also, Hindus believe that the spirit of kali yuga has yet to be destroyed, but Ayyavazhi says that the spirit of Kali Yuga started its decline immediately after the Avatar of Vaikundar arrived. This was due to the torture of a Pantaram (Vaikundar), tortured because he had promised to Thirumal that he did not harm any Pantaram. The term mendicant (Latin mendicans, begging refers to Begging or relying on charitable donations and is most widely used for religious followers or Perumal பெருமாள் also Thirumal திருமால் is a Hindu Deity popular amongst Tamils of Tamil Nadu
Eight Yukams
Regarding Yukams, Ayyavazhi believes in a system of Eight Yukams while Hinduism suggests a system of four Yukams. A Yuga ( Devanāgari: युग in Hindu philosophy is the name of an 'epoch' or 'era' within a cycle of four ages
Kroni
Ayyavazhi believes in a primordial manifestation of evil Kroni similar to Satan in Abrahamic Religions, while Hinduism doesn't have any similar personification of Evil. Kroni ( Tamil:குறோணி is a figure in Ayyavazhi mythology. Satan, ( Standard Hebrew Satan'el, English accuser) is a term that originates from the Abrahamic faiths, being traditionally Evil, in many cultures is used to describe acts or thoughts which are contrary to some particular religion
Trimurthi
The view on Trimurti (three aspects of Brahman) is similar to Smartism, which like Ayya Vazhi, recognizes that Brahma, Vishnu and Siva are different aspects of the same God. Smartism (or Smarta Sampradaya, Smarta Tradition, as termed in Sanskrit) is a denomination of the Hindu Brahma is the Hindu god ( deva) of creation and one of the Trimurti, the others being Vishnu and Shiva. For other meanings see Vishnu (disambiguation. Vishnu ( IAST viṣṇu Devanagari विष्णु (honorific Shiva:(pronunciation; Sanskrit: शिव Śiva, lit "Auspicious one" One of the Trimurtis Shiva is the supreme God in the Shaiva God is the principal or sole Deity in Religions and other belief systems that worship one deity. By contrast, for example, in Saivism, Sivan (the Tamil name for Siva) is considered superior while in Vaishnavism Vishnu is considered superior. Shaivism, also spelled "Saivism" names the oldest of the four sects of Hinduism. Sivan ( Hebrew: סִיוָן, Standard Sivan Tiberian Sîwān; from Akkadian Vaishnavism is a tradition of Hinduism, distinguished from other schools by its worship of Vishnu or its associated avatars principally as Rama and For other meanings see Vishnu (disambiguation. Vishnu ( IAST viṣṇu Devanagari विष्णु (honorific In Ayyavazhi all the three were considered equal in all the previous six Yukams. But only in Kali Yukam are all the powers surrendered to Narayana by Sivan and Nathan because Kaliyan was created by them without discussion with Narayana. Kali Yuga ( Devanāgarī: sa कलियुग lit "Age of Kali " "age of vice" is one of the four stages of development that the world goes Narayana ( Sanskrit: नारायण nārāyaṇa) or Narayan is an important Sanskrit name for Vishnu, and in many contemporary Sivan ( Hebrew: סִיוָן, Standard Sivan Tiberian Sîwān; from Akkadian Brahma is the Hindu god ( deva) of creation and one of the Trimurti, the others being Vishnu and Shiva. Regarding Vaikunda Avatharam, Ayya Vaikundar is superior to the three because the Moolamoorthy or Paramathma, superior to Trimuthi is that who incarnates as Vaikundar, but in Hinduism it was Vishnu who incarnates. Ayya Vaikundar (அய்யா வைகுண்டர் according to Akilattirattu Ammanai, a scripture of the Ayyavazhi, was a Manu (father sovereign Ayya Vaikundar (அய்யா வைகுண்டர் according to Akilattirattu Ammanai, a scripture of the Ayyavazhi, was a Manu (father sovereign However Vishnu was the first to form in this Universe within the three according to Akilam.
Dharma Yukam
Ayyavazhi believes in a Dharma Yukam where Vaikundar rules the world with the Santror Makkal. Dharma Yukam (Tamil is the state of absolute bliss as per Ayyavazhi mythology. The Santror are the seven boys who were made to born by using the seven seeds from seven upper worlds by Thirumal, to the Seven Virgins through their instrumentality In Hinduism they believe in Satya Yuga which does not mention Vaikundar. The Satya Yuga ( Devanagari: सत्य युग also called Sat Yuga, Krta Yuga and Krita Yuga in Hinduism, is the "
Unifying the Deities
In Ayyavazhi, Vaikundar performed symbolic marriages by which he unified all the powers of the universe into himself and so all were seen as one, which is similar to the beliefs of Smartism. Smartism (or Smarta Sampradaya, Smarta Tradition, as termed in Sanskrit) is a denomination of the Hindu But in other branches of Hinduism, they acknowledge different powers as superior and may worship different powers in different forms.
Sociology
Congregational Worship
Amongst the Ayyavazhi, congregational worship is practiced, while in Hinduism the Priest chants the mantras and performs rituals, and the others watch all these things. A mantra ( Devanāgarī मन्त्र (or mantram is a religious or mystical syllable or poem typically from the Sanskrit language But in Ayyavazhi the Panivediyalar chants the mantras and the others repeat it. A mantra ( Devanāgarī मन्त्र (or mantram is a religious or mystical syllable or poem typically from the Sanskrit language
Thottu Namam
In Ayyavazhi Thottu Namam means 'wearing Thirunamam with a personal touch', which means the Panivedaiyalar will bestow the Thirunamam by touching the forehead of the devotees. Thirunamam Thiru (word representing sacredness + Namam (name --> The Sacred name. But in Hinduism the Priests gives the Prachatham by throwing, in the belief that if he happened to touch the worshipers body it would make him ritually unclean. Ritual purification is a feature of many Religions The aim of these Rituals is to remove specifically defined uncleanliness prior to a particular type In olden days this was practiced because the Brahmins kept a distance from the other castes. Brahmin ( Brāhmaṇa, sa ब्राह्मणः is the class of educators scholars and preachers in Brahminical Hinduism. Castes are Hereditary systems of occupation, Endogamy, social culture, Social class, and Political power. This 'Thottu Namam' was an intentional counteraction of this ancient Hindu tradition, put forward by Ayyavazhi.
Ayyavazhi Marriage
Unlike the traditional Hindu way of marriage, Ayyavazhi does not have many ritual practices. But it also differs from traditional Hinduism in marriage as a whole. In Ayyavazhi the couple was seated facing the geographic south witnessing the Thuvaraiyam Pathi in the Indian Ocean. South is one of Cardinal directions and is opposite to the North. Thuvaraiyam Pathi is described in Ayyavazhi mythology. The Akilattirattu Ammanai, the holy text of Ayyavazhi, tells about a sunken land at about 152 miles The Indian Ocean is the third largest of the world's Oceanic divisions covering about 20% of the water on the Earth 's surface In addition to the priest, all the people who witness the marriage will chant the mantras, and praise the couple following the priest, while in Hinduism this was done only by the Priest.
Funeral practice
In Ayyavazhi the body of the dead is buried, unlike in Hinduism. Ayyavazhi (aiavəɻɪ( Tamil:அய்யாவழி Ayyavali - "Path of the father") is a dharmic belief system that originated Burial, also called interment and inhumation, is the act of placing a person or object into the ground Hinduism is a religious tradition that originated in the Indian subcontinent. Generally, Hinduism mandates cremation and limits burial to monks, and children under five. Cremation is the act of reducing a Corpse by burning, generally in a crematorium furnace or crematory fire
The body is buried in a position that faces to the geographic north in a Padmasana position. This is about the direction for other uses see North (disambiguation. The lotus position ( Devanāgarī: पद्मासन IAST: padmāsana; Japanese:) is a cross- Legged No boxes such as coffins are used. A coffin (also known as a casket in North American English) is a funerary Box used in the display and containment of deceased remains – either for The body is just placed inside and covered by sand or Namam (sacred soil). Sand is a naturally occurring Granular material composed of finely divided rock and Mineral particles Thirunamam Thiru (word representing sacredness + Namam (name --> The Sacred name. This practice is done in belief that the deceased is performing austerity for the unfolding of Dharma Yukam. In Economics, austerity is when a national government reduces its spending in order to pay back Creditors Austerity is usually required when a government's fiscal Dharma Yukam (Tamil is the state of absolute bliss as per Ayyavazhi mythology. There was also a belief that the body of a person who was free from birth will not decay, and will be preserved as it is. Then as the Dharma Yukam unfolds, Vaikundar will blow a Conch shell and these people will rise from the grave. A conch (pronounced in the USA as "konk" or "konch" ˈkɒŋk or /ˈkɒntʃ/ is one of a number of different Species This scenario resembles the Last Judgment in the Abrahamic religions. In Christian eschatology, the Last Judgment or Day of the Lord is the judgment by God of every human who ever lived
The practice of burial is strikingly similar to funeral practices, in Lingayatism, a reform movement in Karnataka, like Ayyavazhi, which was critical of the caste system. Lingayatism or Veerashaivism is a Hindu religious sect in India but a Dharma. Karnataka (ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ pronounced) is a state in the southern part of India Unlike Ayyavazhi, Lingyatism focuses on Shiva as the supreme God.
Similarities between Ayyavazhi and Hinduism
Religious Practices
Dress during worship
Like Hinduism the male worshippers of Ayyavazhi do not wear any upper garments during worship. Footwear is prohibited in worship centers. Also in Ayyavazhi, the female worshippers do not go the worship centers during the period of Menses, like other Hindus. The menstrual cycle is a recurring cycle of physiologic changes that occurs in reproductive-age Females Overt menstruation (where there is blood flow from the
Circumambulation
The practice of circumambulation is quite commonly seen in Ayyavazhi like in Hinduism. In Ayyavazhi the devotees use to take a bath and circumambulate the outer Pathi and then the inner Pathi and then the sanctum sanatorium.
Saffron
Saffron is considered as sacred in Ayyavazhi as well its father religion, Hinduism. Saffron ( Kurdish/Persian زَعْفَرَان is a Spice derived from the dried Stigma of the Flower of the saffron crocus ( Crocus sativus All the Panividaiyalars (those who perform Panividai) in Pathis and Nizhal Thangals will be dressed in a saffron dothi and saffron headgear which are collectively known as Kavi Vasthiram. Pathi ( Tamil:பதி - "The place where God is" is the name asserted to the primary centres of congregational Nizhal Thangal ( Tamil:நிழல் தாங்கல்; also called Inai Thangals) is a simple temple The pancha in Telugu, called dhoti or doti in Hindi, Laacha in Punjabi, Mundu in Malayalam This is also the colour of the flag that is to be hoisted in Pathis, as told as Chandiravarnam, and is the colour of the Ayyavazhi flags hoisted over their temples.
Rudraksha
Like Hinduism, and particularly Saivism Ayyavazhi consider Rudraksha as sacred. Shaivism, also spelled "Saivism" names the oldest of the four sects of Hinduism. Rudraksha (Sanskrit rudrākṣa) ("Rudra-eyed" is the name of the dark berries of Elaeocarpus ganitrus, used to make prayer beads (Sanskrit
Theertham
Like Hinduism, Ayyavazhi stress Theertham. But according to Ayyavazhi, Muttirikkinaru and Muttappathi were considered most sacred. Mutta Pathi ( Tamil:முட்ட பதி is one of the Pancha pathi, which are the primary centers for worship of the Ayyavazhi.
Theology
Ultimate Oneness
Ayyavazhi like the Advaita tradition within Hinduism accepts the Ultimate Oneness, which is akin to the concept of Brahman. Advaita Vedanta ( IAST Advaita Vedānta; Sanskrit अद्वैत वेदान्त əd̪vait̪ə veːd̪ɑːnt̪ə is a sub-school of the Brahman ( bráhman-, Nominative bráhma sa ब्रह्म is a concept of Hinduism. It says that it was from the Ekam the whole universe formed. Ekam Tamil: ஏகம் - "the supreme oneness" is the term used in Akilattirattu Ammanai, the holy book of Ayyavazhi, to represent The Thiruvasakam - 2 describes the formation of this present Universe. Like Advaita, it believes that Brahma, Vishnu, and Siva are different aspects of the same God.
Incarnation
Just as Mahaprabhu Caitanya was thought of as an incarnation of Vishnu (and more specifically of Krishna) in Gaudiya Vaishnavism so too is Ayya Vaikundar thought to be an incarnation of Vishnu. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (also transliterated Caitanya, IAST caitanya mahāprabhu) ( Bengali চৈতন্য মহাপ্রভূ (1486 - Gaudiya Vaishnavism (also known as Chaitanya Vaishnavism) is a Vaishnava religious movement founded by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (1486-1534 in India Ayya Vaikundar (அய்யா வைகுண்டர் according to Akilattirattu Ammanai, a scripture of the Ayyavazhi, was a Manu (father sovereign It is believed that God incarnates Himself to educate his children on obtaining a union with Him.
Reincarnation
Ayyavazhi like Hinduism believes in reincarnation. It states that all lives are continually reborn until they reach Dharma Yukam, the state of Moksha. In Indian religions, Moksha ( Sanskrit: sa मोक्ष mokṣa) or Mukti ( Sanskrit: sa मुक्ति literally "release"
Karma
Ayyavazhi disciples too believe in the law of karma and that practing good karma will grant them Moksha. The practice of good karma is what leads one to God.
Moksha
Moksha is the goal of the Ayyavazhi. The Ayyavazhi disciple believes like other Hindus that this too is a union with God in which the soul achieves perfect Shanti ("peace") and Swarga ("heaven. In Hinduism, ( Sanskrit: स्वर्ग Svarga (or Swarga) is set of heavenly worlds located on and above Mt ")
Ahimsa
Ahimsa is Sanskrit for "non-violence" and the Ayyavazhi too believe in this principle. Ahimsa ( Devanagari: sa अहिंसा IAST ahiṃsā is a Sanskrit term meaning Non-violence (literally the avoidance of violence - Sanskrit (sa संस्कृता वाक् saṃskṛtā vāk, for short sa संस्कृतम् saṃskṛtam) is a historical
Vegetarianism
The Ayyavazhi too like many Hindus believe in the vegetarian principle, which is an important aspect of Ahimsa. Ayya Vaikundar is considered an incarnation of Vishnu and in Vaishnavism, meat-eating is forbidden. Vaishnavism is a tradition of Hinduism, distinguished from other schools by its worship of Vishnu or its associated avatars principally as Rama and
Chanting of the Lord's name
This principle is known in Sanskrit as Sankirtana Yajna, it is an essential sacrifice especially for this age. It is believed that chanting the name of the Lord is an auspicious way to worship the Lord.
God is inside everybody
In Hinduism it is believed that within the body, there exists the soul but that the spirit of God is also present within the heart of every human being. The Ayyavazhi too believe that God is present within humans.
Final Judgement
In the Ayyavazhi tradition, it is believed that in the final judgement, the demon will be sentenced to hell while Vaikundar and Santror will rule the world. In Hinduism also it is believed that God Vishnu will incarnate Himself to destroy this age of hypocrisy.
Sanskrit
Although the Ayyvazhi prefer using a local language rather than Sanskrit, devotees name their children in Sanskrit (e. g. Vaikunar, Krishna, Narayan. )