Ayyavazhi rituals
TERMS IN HINDUISM IN AYYAVAZHI
Temple Kovil or Alayam Pathi or Thangal
Holy Water Thirtham Patham
Devotee Bhaktan Anbarkal
Gift to the devotee Prasatam Inimam
Ritual sacrifice Pooja Panividai
Offering to God Archanai Curul
Ritual Oblation Chattuthal Nemithal
Ceremonial Car Chappiram Vahanam
A distinct language
Ayyavazhi rituals are the religious practices prevalent among the followers of Ayyavazhi. Most of them are connected with Akilam and Arul Nool and a few, though not associated with the holy books, are practiced for over a century right from the beginning of Ayyavazhi. Some practices are unique for Pathis and some others are common for all worship centres. Forms of worship and the features attendant on them can be said to be manifestations and indicators of the type of religiosity present in a religious universe. Apart from Basement of Philosophy and Theology, the various religious practices of Ayyavazhi are also the pillars on which it stands to prove its uniqueness. From the sociological point of view, it also strengthens both physically and mentally the socially downtrodden in a religious way. Several practices evolved in the Ayyavazhi tradition. Religious experience that was existent in Ayyavazhi seems to have expressed itself through certain forms with specific features as said in Akilattirattu Ammanai.