Ayya Vaikunda Swamigal
- Vaikunda Swamigal (1809-1851) was born in the village of Shasthakovilvilai, now known as Samithope, near Kanyakumari.
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- His original name was Mudi Soodum Perumal, later his parents changed his name to Muthukutti as the name was opposed by upper caste Hindus.
- Vaikunda Swamigal criticized the British rule and the rule of the Travancore king as the rule of “white devils” and “black devils” respectively.
- His religious system was known as ‘Ayyavazhi’.
- His views have been collected in the book Akhilathirattu.
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- He founded the Samathuva Samaj in 1836.
- His 194th birth anniversary was observed on March 4, 2026.
- ‘Dharma is to protect the downtrodden’ is his motto.
