Ekam

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Ekam (Tamil: ஏகம் - the supreme oneness) is the term used in Akilattirattu Ammanai the holy book of Ayyavazhi^[1] to represent The Ultimate Oneness, and in Thiruvasakam - 2 it was stated that it was from this Ekam all this objects including the separate Godheads, Devas, Asuras etc of the Universe formed. As per Akilam, this state of 'ekam' is beyond the consciousness and derived to beyond the state of changing and is the extreme state in which the whole universe exists.

Though in Saivism, this Tamil phrase of Ekam is used commonly to refer the oneness of God, it was not separately conceptualized there. But in Ayyavazhi, the basic oneness is separately symbolized to be supreme and ultimate beyond all God-heads, powers, and the term is conceptualized in the name Ekam.

Ekam is akin to the concept of Brahman in Advaita philosophy and Smarta theology.

Contents 1 Conceptualization 2 Ekam in God - Pantheistic definition 3 See also 4 References 5 Citation

[edit] Conceptualization

The Ekam is said to be the supreme as well the ultimate self from which the whole cosmos formed. This formless attribute is said to be defined from the human point of view. But this form less Ekam, without losing its constant and formless nature, present inside every things in the universe. (i.e) it remains as as infinite within every finites; formless within every definite forms; It is the supreme absolute self in which all the substances of cosmos shares their existence.

[edit] Ekam in God - Pantheistic definition

The derivations of Ekam in Ayyavazhi scriptures are sometime close to the pantheistic form of theology. In the mythology of Ayyavazhi God-heads such as Siva, Vishnu are said to be the god-heads who have power to rule this Ekam, Varrying from time to time. (i.e) Siva until Kaliyuga and Vishnu from the starting of Kaliyuga. There are separate quotes in Akilam for focussing Siva as well as Vishnu as capable for position. But, still the Ekam is addressed beyond these god-heads.

But when Vaikundar, is jailed in Singarathoppe, he says "I am the one who created the Ekam and the one who is omnipresent everywhere". By this, the theology reveals Vaikundar (God) as beyond the attributes of Ekam, which moves the theology of Ayyavazhi more towards a pantheism.

[edit] See also

• Ayya Vaikundar
• Ayyavazhi Trinity
• Ayyavazhi theology

[edit] References

• A. Arisundara Mani's, Akilathirattu Ammanai Parayana Urai, 2002.
• Dr. R.Ponnu's, Sri Vaikunda Swamigal and the Struggle for Social Equality in South India, 2000.

[edit] Citation

1. ^ Akilattirattu Ammanai published by T.Palaramachandran Nadar, 9th impression, 1989 Page 225-227