Ayyavazhi in reports by Christian missionaries
Encyclopedia
Ayyavazhi
, a belief system originating from South India
, is mentioned in a number of reports by Christian missionaries in the 19th century. In some of these reports, it is claimed that Ayyavazhi is an anti-Christian religious phenomenon. The rapid growth of the London Missionary Society
is heavily challenged by Ayyavazhi in Thiruvithancore
, which is the most succeeded venue of LMS in India and revealed in certain reports.
(then Travancore
) and South Tamil Nadu
(the then 'Tinnevely') as, "multitudes of people flocked from all parts of the provinces of Travancore and Tinnevelly."
One part of the report states that Ayya Vaikundar's devotees believe they were "cured by him of different diseases." On the Ayyavazhi religion, the report says that "multitudes of people flocked to him from all parts of Travancore
and Tinnevelly
." (p. 71)
On the Thuvayal Thavasu
, the report goes on to say: "About seventy families of this sect, having subsequently established a community of goods, removed under the guidance of a man of some
influence to a part of the sea-shore in Tinnevelly, where they erected huts, performed frequent
ablutions
, and often assembled to hear the dreams and vision of their leader and to witness the
miracles he was said to perform." (p. 71)
Apart from this, it mentions the practice of vegetarianism
in Ayyavazhi, saying that "[they] abstained from all kinds of animal food, and observed the most simple and abstentious habits".(p. 71)
This report is also a witness from any external source to show the interference of Travancore King into Ayyavazhi. This report says that, "The Government, however, interfered, and the excitement quickly died away." (p. 71)
The same report Call Vaikundar as a person of "deranged mind". (p. 71)
This report also calls Ayyavazhi as a "new and singular sect". (p. 71)
phenomenon, using such phrases as an "agent of Satan" (pp. 78–79) when referring to "Ayya Vaikundar", and further reported that large "numbers of the low classes have joined him (Vaikundar)."
The same report notes the "rapid and extraordinary career" of Vaikundacami (Vaikundar)
(p. 75), mentioning that his religious phenomenon had "spread to an astonishing degree, showing by its progress." (p. 75)
The report also says that, "he is enabled to perform the cure of all diseases, and to confer innumerable blessings on his followers." (p. 75)
It also says that such a fast spread of Ayyavazhi created an excitement in the country as "so much
excitement" and also that the majority was from low class of the society as, "numbers of the low
classes have joined him". (p. 75)
In another part of the report, it mentions that Vaikundacami "asserts that one of the principle Hindu deities has taken up his abode within him," and that because of this, "he is enabled to perform the
cure of all diseases, and to confer innumerable blessings on his followers." (p. 75)
The same report call the activities of Vaikundar as "amid these indications of advancement and the triumph (of LMS mission), it is painful to find that the agents of the prince of this world have been busily engaged in their malignant attempts to frustrate, if possible, the work of God. A negative religious imposter, named Moottecoothee, having gathered numerous disciples around him from among the heathen, has also succeeded in gaining over to his impious cause, several who had a profession of Christianity and stood in visible connection with the followers of the redeemer" (p. 78-79)
, principally of the "Shanar tribe," an area near Patnam (Thengapattnam), and that, "an equal, if not greater, number had taken to Ayyavazhi." (p. 88-89)
Another report speaks of Vaikundar, treating diseases with only earth and water, stating: "They take no medicine; but rub ashes on the forehead and drink cold water (patham) as the cure for all diseases." (p. 88-89)
It also says that the followers of Ayyavazhi "have instituted a new mode of worship" in the place of the "pagan rites."
This report also says that, "they have instituted a new mode of worship, in which no images are
introduced... They ... inveigh zealously against idols and demons, and profess only to worship an
incarnation of Veeshnoo." (P. 88-89) This report also form one among the external evidences to the
fact that Vaikundar is believed as an incarnation of God even as early in the time of Vaikundar.
This report also call Swamithope as, "head-quarters of Mutthukuttiism." (P. 107)
. Specifically, a comparison appears to be made in the report that the devotees of Ayya Vaikundar, especially the
Thuvayal Thavasu participants, keep their bodies and their houses cleaner than the other people of
chanar tribe.
numbers flocked to him (Vaikundar)" (Patrick p. 4, quoting Frederick Wilkinson, ARTDC 1864).
In this report a missionary Frederick Wilkinson opinioned negatively about Vaikundar as, "While young Muthukutti was a cowherd and afterwards became a palmyra-climber from the circumstance of his having a long and entangled plait of hair on his head he imagined he was specially favoured by the deity and got many to believe that he was the incarnation of Vishnu. Day after day numbers flocked to him." (P. 4)
This report says the special worship on Ayyavazhi centers as , "He ordered his followers to worship
him especially on Sundays." (P. 4)
This report also says about the then construction of Swamithope Pathi as, "after his death they erected a tomb over his grave and a substantial building on the site in which they worship him." (P. 4)
The same report says that, "they (followers of Ayyavazhi) say that Muthukutti will come again, raise his followers from the dead." (P. 4)
This report witness the monthly and yearly festivals in Swamithope Pathi as, "... built him a tomb, and hold monthly and yearly festivals in his honour." (P. 15)
This report also says that, "Many of the heathen now worship a new deity of the name Muttukutti."(P. 15).
of Jamestown, who 'deplored' the
increase of the followers of Ayyavazhi in "several places around him." (Patrick p. 7, quoting S. Jones,
ARTDC 1871).
. She was also a fortune-teller and pretended to cure diseases by incantation
s. She allowed her hair to grow matted like that of Pantaram, abstained from fish on Tuesdays and Fridays, performed her ablutions in the sea, sang for four or five hours together in honour of her swami
and was occasionally under the influence of the devil." (Patrick p. 4-5, quoting Ebenezer Lewis, ARTDC 1858).
In this same report Ebenezer Lewis (a missionary) says about the way of worship if people in Ayyavazhi centers as, "they sing and dance in honour of their Swami."
This report presents the reply of an Ayyavazhi follower to a Christian Mossionary as, "We worship the true God, what business have you here? We need not your instructions, begone... Narayanan (Vaikuntacami) is the true God; it is he who created us... All who deny the divinity of Narayanana are fools and mad men, for no man of sense will do it." It also says that, "thousands continue to worship him still, believing that before long he will rise from the dead." (P. 15-16)
telling the people that the Swami Vaigundar is expected soon, that he has sent messages to his devotees upon the people and render the country prosperous." (P. 5)
smaller that.... village Chapels" and "dancing and plenty of noise make up the greater part of the
worship." (P. 4)
avatar of Vishnu." (P. 8)
Ayyavazhi
Ayyavazhi is a dharmic belief system that originated in South India in the 19th century. It is cited as an independent monistic religion by several newspapers, government reports and academic researchers. In Indian censuses, however, the majority of its followers declare themselves as Hindus...
, a belief system originating from South India
South India
South India is the area encompassing India's states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu as well as the union territories of Lakshadweep and Pondicherry, occupying 19.31% of India's area...
, is mentioned in a number of reports by Christian missionaries in the 19th century. In some of these reports, it is claimed that Ayyavazhi is an anti-Christian religious phenomenon. The rapid growth of the London Missionary Society
London Missionary Society
The London Missionary Society was a non-denominational missionary society formed in England in 1795 by evangelical Anglicans and Nonconformists, largely Congregationalist in outlook, with missions in the islands of the South Pacific and Africa...
is heavily challenged by Ayyavazhi in Thiruvithancore
Travancore
Kingdom of Travancore was a former Hindu feudal kingdom and Indian Princely State with its capital at Padmanabhapuram or Trivandrum ruled by the Travancore Royal Family. The Kingdom of Travancore comprised most of modern day southern Kerala, Kanyakumari district, and the southernmost parts of...
, which is the most succeeded venue of LMS in India and revealed in certain reports.
1838
This report says about the fast spread of Ayyavazhi then throughout the regions of Southern KeralaKerala
or Keralam is an Indian state located on the Malabar coast of south-west India. It was created on 1 November 1956 by the States Reorganisation Act by combining various Malayalam speaking regions....
(then Travancore
Travancore
Kingdom of Travancore was a former Hindu feudal kingdom and Indian Princely State with its capital at Padmanabhapuram or Trivandrum ruled by the Travancore Royal Family. The Kingdom of Travancore comprised most of modern day southern Kerala, Kanyakumari district, and the southernmost parts of...
) and South Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu is one of the 28 states of India. Its capital and largest city is Chennai. Tamil Nadu lies in the southernmost part of the Indian Peninsula and is bordered by the union territory of Pondicherry, and the states of Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh...
(the then 'Tinnevely') as, "multitudes of people flocked from all parts of the provinces of Travancore and Tinnevelly."
One part of the report states that Ayya Vaikundar's devotees believe they were "cured by him of different diseases." On the Ayyavazhi religion, the report says that "multitudes of people flocked to him from all parts of Travancore
Travancore
Kingdom of Travancore was a former Hindu feudal kingdom and Indian Princely State with its capital at Padmanabhapuram or Trivandrum ruled by the Travancore Royal Family. The Kingdom of Travancore comprised most of modern day southern Kerala, Kanyakumari district, and the southernmost parts of...
and Tinnevelly
Tirunelveli
Tirunelveli , also known as Nellai , and historically as Tinnevelly, is a city in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is the headquarters of the Tirunelveli District and the sixth biggest city in Tamil Nadu...
." (p. 71)
On the Thuvayal Thavasu
Thuvayal Thavasu
Thuvayal Thavasu, literally washing penance, was a significant religious event that took place in the 19th century. It was also called as thuvayal panthi....
, the report goes on to say: "About seventy families of this sect, having subsequently established a community of goods, removed under the guidance of a man of some
influence to a part of the sea-shore in Tinnevelly, where they erected huts, performed frequent
ablutions
Ritual purification
Ritual purification is a feature of many religions. The aim of these rituals is to remove specifically defined uncleanliness prior to a particular type of activity, and especially prior to the worship of a deity...
, and often assembled to hear the dreams and vision of their leader and to witness the
miracles he was said to perform." (p. 71)
Apart from this, it mentions the practice of vegetarianism
Vegetarianism
Vegetarianism encompasses the practice of following plant-based diets , with or without the inclusion of dairy products or eggs, and with the exclusion of meat...
in Ayyavazhi, saying that "[they] abstained from all kinds of animal food, and observed the most simple and abstentious habits".(p. 71)
This report is also a witness from any external source to show the interference of Travancore King into Ayyavazhi. This report says that, "The Government, however, interfered, and the excitement quickly died away." (p. 71)
The same report Call Vaikundar as a person of "deranged mind". (p. 71)
This report also calls Ayyavazhi as a "new and singular sect". (p. 71)
1843
In one part of these report, the missionaries view "Ayyavazhi" as an anti-Christian religiousphenomenon, using such phrases as an "agent of Satan" (pp. 78–79) when referring to "Ayya Vaikundar", and further reported that large "numbers of the low classes have joined him (Vaikundar)."
The same report notes the "rapid and extraordinary career" of Vaikundacami (Vaikundar)
Ayya Vaikundar
Ayya Vaikundar , according to Akilattirattu Ammanai , a scripture of the Ayyavazhi, was a Manu Avatar of Narayana, incarnated as Muthukutty or Mudisoodum Perumal, a Nadar of Swamithoppe, Tamil Nadu Ayya Vaikundar , according to Akilattirattu Ammanai (or Akilam), a scripture of the Ayyavazhi, was...
(p. 75), mentioning that his religious phenomenon had "spread to an astonishing degree, showing by its progress." (p. 75)
The report also says that, "he is enabled to perform the cure of all diseases, and to confer innumerable blessings on his followers." (p. 75)
It also says that such a fast spread of Ayyavazhi created an excitement in the country as "so much
excitement" and also that the majority was from low class of the society as, "numbers of the low
classes have joined him". (p. 75)
In another part of the report, it mentions that Vaikundacami "asserts that one of the principle Hindu deities has taken up his abode within him," and that because of this, "he is enabled to perform the
cure of all diseases, and to confer innumerable blessings on his followers." (p. 75)
The same report call the activities of Vaikundar as "amid these indications of advancement and the triumph (of LMS mission), it is painful to find that the agents of the prince of this world have been busily engaged in their malignant attempts to frustrate, if possible, the work of God. A negative religious imposter, named Moottecoothee, having gathered numerous disciples around him from among the heathen, has also succeeded in gaining over to his impious cause, several who had a profession of Christianity and stood in visible connection with the followers of the redeemer" (p. 78-79)
1847
This report provides information that around 10,000 people had joined the practice of ChristianityChristianity
Christianity is a monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus as presented in canonical gospels and other New Testament writings...
, principally of the "Shanar tribe," an area near Patnam (Thengapattnam), and that, "an equal, if not greater, number had taken to Ayyavazhi." (p. 88-89)
Another report speaks of Vaikundar, treating diseases with only earth and water, stating: "They take no medicine; but rub ashes on the forehead and drink cold water (patham) as the cure for all diseases." (p. 88-89)
It also says that the followers of Ayyavazhi "have instituted a new mode of worship" in the place of the "pagan rites."
This report also says that, "they have instituted a new mode of worship, in which no images are
introduced... They ... inveigh zealously against idols and demons, and profess only to worship an
incarnation of Veeshnoo." (P. 88-89) This report also form one among the external evidences to the
fact that Vaikundar is believed as an incarnation of God even as early in the time of Vaikundar.
1858
Again, as in the 1838 report, this report mentions the practice of vegetarianism in a disciple of Vaikundacami who, "abstained from flesh and ate only vegetables." And it refers to an active female follower of Ayyavazhi who "abstained from fish on Tuesdays and Fridays."1872
In this report, Vaikundar had been viewed as a "False Prophet".This report also call Swamithope as, "head-quarters of Mutthukuttiism." (P. 107)
1892
In this report, reference is made to those engaged in the practice of Thuvayal ThavasuThuvayal Thavasu
Thuvayal Thavasu, literally washing penance, was a significant religious event that took place in the 19th century. It was also called as thuvayal panthi....
. Specifically, a comparison appears to be made in the report that the devotees of Ayya Vaikundar, especially the
Thuvayal Thavasu participants, keep their bodies and their houses cleaner than the other people of
chanar tribe.
1864
This report speaks of it as "a modern sect, greatly on the increase", says that, "day after day,numbers flocked to him (Vaikundar)" (Patrick p. 4, quoting Frederick Wilkinson, ARTDC 1864).
In this report a missionary Frederick Wilkinson opinioned negatively about Vaikundar as, "While young Muthukutti was a cowherd and afterwards became a palmyra-climber from the circumstance of his having a long and entangled plait of hair on his head he imagined he was specially favoured by the deity and got many to believe that he was the incarnation of Vishnu. Day after day numbers flocked to him." (P. 4)
This report says the special worship on Ayyavazhi centers as , "He ordered his followers to worship
him especially on Sundays." (P. 4)
This report also says about the then construction of Swamithope Pathi as, "after his death they erected a tomb over his grave and a substantial building on the site in which they worship him." (P. 4)
The same report says that, "they (followers of Ayyavazhi) say that Muthukutti will come again, raise his followers from the dead." (P. 4)
1866
This is also a part which tells about the spread of Ayyavazhi. It says that "he (Vaikundar) drew after him a great many people" (Patrick p. 15, quoting Goodeve Mabbs from ARTDC 1866).This report witness the monthly and yearly festivals in Swamithope Pathi as, "... built him a tomb, and hold monthly and yearly festivals in his honour." (P. 15)
This report also says that, "Many of the heathen now worship a new deity of the name Muttukutti."(P. 15).
1874
This report reads as, "It was in the village comprising this (Thamaraikulam) section that the gospel gained its earliest conquests in South Taravancore. Progress was rapid. Congregation were formed and adherents come over in great numbers. In 1821 there were upwards of 1200 converts in these place. It seemed as if the whole population would soon be brought under the influence of the cross. But a terrible check was given to our operations by the rise of Muthukuttyism. ... shrines rose, rites and ceremonies are initiated, temples were dedicated and lastly a car festival was instituted at Kottayady to which thousands are annually drawn from the towns and villages far and near. This cunning contrivance of Satan has much impeded our progress in these parts and s still a great power of darkness against which we have to wage unceasing war. Our weapon are mighty through God, to the pulling down of strongholds. We have truth on our side against which neither Muthukuttyism nor any other gate to hell shall prevail. All we need is more life in these churches...1871
This report records the anguish of Mr Nathaneil, an evangelistEvangelism
Evangelism refers to the practice of relaying information about a particular set of beliefs to others who do not hold those beliefs. The term is often used in reference to Christianity....
of Jamestown, who 'deplored' the
increase of the followers of Ayyavazhi in "several places around him." (Patrick p. 7, quoting S. Jones,
ARTDC 1871).
1858
This report also views Ayyavazhi as an anti-Christian religion, speaking about a female shaman of Ayyavazhi, "a widow living at this place who was a follower of MuthukuttiAyya Vaikundar
Ayya Vaikundar , according to Akilattirattu Ammanai , a scripture of the Ayyavazhi, was a Manu Avatar of Narayana, incarnated as Muthukutty or Mudisoodum Perumal, a Nadar of Swamithoppe, Tamil Nadu Ayya Vaikundar , according to Akilattirattu Ammanai (or Akilam), a scripture of the Ayyavazhi, was...
. She was also a fortune-teller and pretended to cure diseases by incantation
Incantation
An incantation or enchantment is a charm or spell created using words. An incantation may take place during a ritual, either a hymn or prayer, and may invoke or praise a deity. In magic, occultism, witchcraft it may be used with the intention of casting a spell on an object or a person...
s. She allowed her hair to grow matted like that of Pantaram, abstained from fish on Tuesdays and Fridays, performed her ablutions in the sea, sang for four or five hours together in honour of her swami
Swami
A swami sometimes abbreviated "Sw." is an ascetic or yogi who has been initiated into the religious monastic order founded by Adi Sankara, or to a religious teacher.The Oxford English Dictionary gives the etymology as...
and was occasionally under the influence of the devil." (Patrick p. 4-5, quoting Ebenezer Lewis, ARTDC 1858).
In this same report Ebenezer Lewis (a missionary) says about the way of worship if people in Ayyavazhi centers as, "they sing and dance in honour of their Swami."
1859
In this report Ebenezer Lewis (a missionary), calls Vaikundar as a "imposter". (P. 15)This report presents the reply of an Ayyavazhi follower to a Christian Mossionary as, "We worship the true God, what business have you here? We need not your instructions, begone... Narayanan (Vaikuntacami) is the true God; it is he who created us... All who deny the divinity of Narayanana are fools and mad men, for no man of sense will do it." It also says that, "thousands continue to worship him still, believing that before long he will rise from the dead." (P. 15-16)
1863
This report says a public proclamation of a mendicant devotee of Ayyavazhi as, "at this time he wastelling the people that the Swami Vaigundar is expected soon, that he has sent messages to his devotees upon the people and render the country prosperous." (P. 5)
1864
It says that, "Some years ago a Palmara clmber named Muthukutty claimed to be the incarnation of Vishnu and deceived many people. His followers had erected pagodas in many places. As they regard Muthukutty as incarnation of Vishnu, they affirm that the worship of Muthukutty is really a worship of the supreme being ........ This imposter is one of the chief obstacles to the spread of the gospel in these parts." (Page. 6-7)1863
This report (says about the way fo worship as, "the followers meet together in a building somethingsmaller that.... village Chapels" and "dancing and plenty of noise make up the greater part of the
worship." (P. 4)
1869
This report says that, the people seem to have considered 'Vaikuntacami' (Vaikundar) as, "the lastavatar of Vishnu." (P. 8)
See also
- List of Ayyavazhi-related articles
- TravancoreTravancoreKingdom of Travancore was a former Hindu feudal kingdom and Indian Princely State with its capital at Padmanabhapuram or Trivandrum ruled by the Travancore Royal Family. The Kingdom of Travancore comprised most of modern day southern Kerala, Kanyakumari district, and the southernmost parts of...
- London Missionary SocietyLondon Missionary SocietyThe London Missionary Society was a non-denominational missionary society formed in England in 1795 by evangelical Anglicans and Nonconformists, largely Congregationalist in outlook, with missions in the islands of the South Pacific and Africa...