Swamithope Pathi

Swamithope Pathi

Swamithoppe Pathi (Tamil: சுவாமிதோப்பு பதி), Swamithoppu-pathi, Manavai-pathi, Thamarai-pathi or Thalaimaippathi is the primary pathi of the Ayyavazhi, the head of all Worship centers of Ayyavazhi, and the place where Ayya Vaikundar is said to have performed the Tavam. Religiously Swamithope is considered primary among the Pancha pathi and is the important place where most of the incarnational activities of Vaikundar took place.

According to Ayyavazhi legends, Ayya Vaikundar, an incarnation of Lord Narayana, carried out his tavam at Poovantanthoppe, attracting many followers from across India. On his pass-away Ayya Vaikundar was believed to be interred there, and the square-shaped 'pathi' was constructed enveloping him. The holy book Akilathirattu ammanai of Ayyavazhi refers to the temple as "Thoppuppathi".