Teachings and Impacts of Ayyavazhi - Denunciation of Idolatry

Denunciation of Idolatry

Unlike the other Indian religious systems, Ayyavazhi condemns idolatry. On its view, leading all sort of meaningless ritualistic practices and giving birth to superstition, the idol-worship led the priest to exploit the illiteracy and ignorance of the common people. Hence Ayya denounced idolatry and compelled his followers to detest and resist the same.

During the period of Ayya Vaikundar the lower caste people of the South Travancore are not allowed to enter the temples. So they erected small pyramids of mud or brick and use to worship them. Ayya found these practises as uncivilised custom and put forward a new way of worship. This serves as a religious reformation in the socio-cultural history of South Travancore. There are quite a large number of verses in the Ayyavazhi scriptures on strengthening this view of Vaikundar.