Ayya Vaikunda Swamigal Vaikunda Swamigal (1809-1851) was born in the village of Shasthakovilvilai, now known as Samithope, near Kanyakumari. 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. 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.
