Sri Ayya Vaikunda Swamikal [UPSC Notes]

On the occasion of the anniversary of Sri Ayya Vaikunda Swamikal’s birth, the Prime Minister of India paid tribute to him. In this article, you can read more about Sri Ayya Vaikunda Swamikal and his contributions and teachings for the IAS exam history segment. 

Ayya Vaikunda Swamikal

• Sri Ayya Vaikunda Swamikal was a stalwart among Kerala’s and indeed South India’s social revolutionaries.
• Vaikundar is regarded by researchers as a teacher, healer, and miracle worker.
• His teachings had a significant social impact on southern India as well.
• The Hindu community in South Travancore greatly benefited from Sri Vaikunda Swamigal’s contributions to modernity.
• This prolific thinker and social reformer lived in the 19th century.

Ayya Vaikunda Swamikal Teachings and Social Reforms

• He was the first person to introduce religious and social reform as a people’s movement.
• He created temples called Pathis and Nizhal Thankals, which were meant for people who were not allowed in ordinary temples.
• Ayya vazhi: It is a religious way of living introduced by him, which is why people affectionately call him “Ayya”.
• Akilath thirattu Ammanai and Arulnool: these are the holy books of Ayya vazhi followers.
• He opposed individuals who split the community into several sections and considered them “nisas”. 
• He promoted coordinated and effective methods to achieve the goal of equality and unity among all castes.
• His efforts brought about significant changes in the then-custom-bound society. He worked non-stop to create a casteless society and eliminate birth-based inequity. He advocated for universal equality.

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