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Ayyavazhi (IPA: [aia:vərɪ])(Tamil:அய்யாவழி Ayyavaḻi -"Path of the father"), is a monistic religion, originated in South India in the mid 19th century. centred on Ayya Vaikundar and on his life and teachings as present in Ayyavazhi scriptures. Ayyavazhi has not as yet received official recognition as an independent religion from the Indian government, but its followers consider it an autonomous religion. Since Ayyavazhi is not recognised as a separate religion, its followers are counted with Hinduism during the Census in India.
Ayyavazhi's fast growth in its first century has been noted by Christian missionaries in the mid-19th century. The activities of Vaikundar and the growth of this religion created a reformation and revolution in the 19th century Travancore and Tamil Society and gave a rude shock to the feudal based social set up of South India.
The ideas and philosophy of the religion are based on the teachings of Ayya Vaikundar and the religious texts, Akilattirattu Ammanai and Arul Nool. Accordingly, Ayya Vaikundar was the Manu avatar of Trimurthi. Although Ayyavazhi shares many ideas with Hinduism in its mythology and practice, it differs in many aspects, especially in its concepts of "Good vs Evil", Dharma etc.
