The exact origin of the name Ayyavazhi is not known. The various theories on its derivation include:
- Ayya's path
- from the direct synonymous derivation, which takes Ayya as a noun (naming word) of Ayya Vaikundar.
- Path of Father
- from the local spoken-Tamil language Ayya (father) + vazhi (path). This meaning, derived from Tamil, is most commonly used as 'ayya', and means 'dear father'.
- The ultimate truth of Master
- from Tamil Ayya (Master) + vazhi (the ultimate truth) is derived from the literary usage of the words.
- Religious system of Guru
- from Tamil Ayya as (Guru) + vazhi (religious system - vazhibadu in Tamil).
- Way of attaining the sacred feet of God
- Ayya as (God) + vazhi (way to unify)
The synonymous versions of the phrase are virtually unlimited, because the usage of the word 'Ayya' in Tamil varies widely. It is used to convey the words father, guru, the superior, a person of dignity, respectable one, master, the king, the teacher, preceptor, etc. The word 'vazhi' in Tamil can mean the way, a course of conduct, manner, method, mode, cause, antiquity, succession, religious system, reason, and so on.
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