Swamithope Pathi
Encyclopedia
Swamithoppe Pathi Swamithoppu-pathi, Manavai-pathi, Thamarai-pathi or Thalaimaippathi [Thalaimai (chief) + pathi] 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".
As per Akilam, Ayya Vaikundar
was incarnated from the Sea, and after providing rules and regulations to God-heads, came to Detchanam
(Swamithoppe) and performed Tavam for six years
in the place which was now known as Vatakku Vasal
in Swamithoppe. Then when the Kalineesan
came to arrest him he went once again in to the sea at Muttappathi
and after that (in Tamil called the Vinchai), he returned Swamithoppe, from where he was arrested.
Then after his trial he was carried in a Vahana
by his devotees to Swamithoppe where he incinerated the evil spirits and unified the Seven Virgins with himself. Then after the marriage with the deities in Ambalappathi
he returned to Swamithoppe.
According to Akilattirattu Ammanai
, Swamithoppe is the only place Narayana
(Vaikundar) slept (in Tamil: Pallikolluthal) after the incarnation. Then he send 700 families to Thuvayal Thavasu
to Vakaippathi
and organised festivals and celebrations. And after all the Avathara Ekanais he attained Vaikundam and his physical body was interred in the place which is now the Palliyarai
of Swamithoppe.
The Palliyarai contains two oil lamp
s (kuthuvilakku), an elunetru
, and a large mirror. On a raised pedestal, covered with kavi
cloth, the temple also preserves some articles believed to have been used by Ayya Vaikuntar, including a rattan
cane (perampu) and a pair of wooden sandals. The Palliyarai is surrounded by inner corridors.
There is a fifty-five feet tall Flagmast at a distance of 50 feet from Palliyarai
. And in north of flagmast there is a Unpanpurai. Here, they cook the food and distribute it to the devotees. There is a common well some 300 meters from the main Pathi. Akilattirattu Ammanai states that all the eighteen castes take baths from that well. It was considered sacred to bathe in and to drink the water from that well. Then there found a Paal Kinaru, in the extreme east, Vatakku Vasal
in the north and Sivaye Medai, which is also called Karuda medai in the west of Palliyarai. Then all these were surrounded by outer corridors. There is a bell tower above the spot where Vaikundar performed the Tavam.
The main celebration of Swamithoppe includes Kodiyettru Thirunal
, which was celebrated thrice in a year during the Tamil months of Vaikasi, Aavani, Thai. It startes with Kodiyetrru (flag hoisting) and ends on the eleventh day with Car procession. People from different parts of Tamil Nadu
and Kerala
take part in this festival. Then the Thiru Eadu Vasippu
, the Seventeen day festival, in which the whole contents of Akilattirattu Ammanai
where read melodiously. It was celebrated during the Tamil month of Karthigai, the month at which it was written by Hari Gopalan Citar.
The daily Panividai starts very early in the morning. Everyday, around 3 O’ clock the Payyans and the people staying at the temple go to Muthirikkinaru and take a holy bath. Then, they return to the Pathi
and start the panividai. The Payyan
chant Ukappatippu, and the devotees repeat it. Then, they open the door of sanctum sanctorum. It is considered sanctifying to witness this scene with the sounding of a dozen temple bells and conch. Then, there is the Vahana pavani.
Vahana pavani comes around the temple and along the four car streets, first through the Santhana Veethi and then through Ratha
Veethi. The Nithiyapal is prepared daily and offered to Ayya Vaikundar
ritually. It was the only food Ayya believed to be ate when in human form at Swamithoppe. This offering is done daily. The descendants of Podukutty, the first Pattathu Ayya of Payyan dynasty
, prepare this daily at the Pathi
. Thavanaipal, a gruel prepared with rice and green gram, is distributed to the devotees.
The Noon Panividai starts around 11 O’ clock. Daily Ucchipatippu is chanted. The devotees will repeat it and Thavanaipal is distributed to the devotees. One Sundays, large number of people from far and near come over here to participate in the Ucchipatippu.
In the evening, panividai starts around 5 O’ clock. The door of the sanctum sanctorum is opened amidst the sound of the temple bells and Conch
. Then, the Payyan would chant ukappatippu. Those followers who congregate for the evening panividai would repeat this. Then, there will be vahana panividai. The Vahana is taken around the temple as well as the four car streets. After this, there will be Annadharmam.
This is the daily routine of Swamithoppe pathi. One can have a worship at any time of the day in this temple.
, the day at which Ayya Vaikundar incarnated from the sea at Tiruchendur
. Though many worship centers including other Pathi
s conduct celebrations during this festival, it is considered sacred to visit Swamithoppe on this day. So on this day Swamithoppe will get populated with the nation-wide Ayyavazhi
followers.
This is the largest festival conducted in Swamithope pathi. Several processions were held on that day which starts from different places including Thiruchendur
and Thiruvananthapuram
and ends at Swamithoppe.
Swamithoppe Pathi is the headquarters of the five pathis
of Ayyavazhi
, and its geographical focal point. Swamithoppe Pathi, is located in the town of Swamithope
, which lies southeast of the City of Nagercoil
, the headquarters (capital) of the District of Kanyakumari
in the State of Tamil Nadu
at the extreme southern tip of India. Swamithope
lies about half-way between the Cities of Nagercoil
and Kanniyakumari on the Eathancaud-Manakkudi road.
This Pathi lies northern most to all other Pathi
s within Pancha pathi
. Nagercoil
(12 km) is the nearest Railway Station and Thiruvananthapuram
(94 km) is the nearest International Airport. Town buses are available to Swamithope from Nagercoil
and Kanyakumari.
Pathi
Pathi is the name of the primary centres of congregational worship for the South Indian religious system of Ayyavazhi, having a relatively large structure like that of a temple...
of the Ayyavazhi
Ayyavazhi
Ayyavazhi is a dharmic belief system that originated in South India in the 19th century. It is cited as an independent monistic religion by several newspapers, government reports and academic researchers. In Indian censuses, however, the majority of its followers declare themselves as Hindus...
, the head of all Worship centers of Ayyavazhi
Worship centers of Ayyavazhi
The Pathis and Nizhal Thangals, are centers of worship and religious learning for the followers of Ayyavazhi which are established in different parts of India. They served as centres for propagation of the beliefs and practices of Ayyavazhi. There are more than 8000 worship centers throughout...
, and the place where Ayya Vaikundar
Ayya Vaikundar
Ayya Vaikundar , according to Akilattirattu Ammanai , a scripture of the Ayyavazhi, was a Manu Avatar of Narayana, incarnated as Muthukutty or Mudisoodum Perumal, a Nadar of Swamithoppe, Tamil Nadu Ayya Vaikundar , according to Akilattirattu Ammanai (or Akilam), a scripture of the Ayyavazhi, was...
is said to have performed the Tavam
Tavam of Vaikundar
According to Akilattirattu Ammanai, For ten months, Ayya Vaikundar revealed to the people all about the past, present, and future in the form of songs. He sang definitively about the future. Some of those who heard him, took his words as meaningless mutterings...
. Religiously Swamithope is considered primary among the Pancha pathi
Pancha pathi
Pancha pathi are the five important pilgrim centers of Ayyavazhi. These are also considered as the primary Pathis and as worship centers of Ayyavazhi with primary status. The first pathi is Swamithope pathi itself and is the headquarters of Ayyavazhi...
and is the important place where most of the incarnational activities of Vaikundar took place.
According to Ayyavazhi legends, Ayya Vaikundar
Ayya Vaikundar
Ayya Vaikundar , according to Akilattirattu Ammanai , a scripture of the Ayyavazhi, was a Manu Avatar of Narayana, incarnated as Muthukutty or Mudisoodum Perumal, a Nadar of Swamithoppe, Tamil Nadu Ayya Vaikundar , according to Akilattirattu Ammanai (or Akilam), a scripture of the Ayyavazhi, was...
, an incarnation of Lord Narayana
Narayana
Narayana or Narayan or Naraina is an important Sanskrit name for Vishnu, and in many contemporary vernaculars a common Indian name. Narayana is also identified as the original man, Purusha. The Puranas present divergent views on Narayana...
, carried out his tavam at Poovantanthoppe
Poovantanthoppe
Poovantanthoppe is the former name of Swamithope. This name was because the present-day Swamithoppe was then the grove of Poovandar a land lord. He was a devotee of Ayya Vaikundar and he donated the land to the Swamithoppe Pathi...
, attracting many followers from across India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
. 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".
Genesis and history
Ayya Vaikundar
Ayya Vaikundar , according to Akilattirattu Ammanai , a scripture of the Ayyavazhi, was a Manu Avatar of Narayana, incarnated as Muthukutty or Mudisoodum Perumal, a Nadar of Swamithoppe, Tamil Nadu Ayya Vaikundar , according to Akilattirattu Ammanai (or Akilam), a scripture of the Ayyavazhi, was...
was incarnated from the Sea, and after providing rules and regulations to God-heads, came to Detchanam
Detchanam
Detchanam literally means south or the land of south. It is also used to represent the Deccan Plateau and south India. In Akilattirattu Ammanai the word Detchanam represents the land of South India with Swamithoppe as its centre, and including a vast area of land, south-east to Kanyakumari....
(Swamithoppe) and performed Tavam for six years
Tavam of Vaikundar
According to Akilattirattu Ammanai, For ten months, Ayya Vaikundar revealed to the people all about the past, present, and future in the form of songs. He sang definitively about the future. Some of those who heard him, took his words as meaningless mutterings...
in the place which was now known as Vatakku Vasal
Vatakku Vasal
Vatakku Vasal is the north entrance of Swamithoppe pathi. It was here Ayya Vaikundar performed his Tavam. This is considered sacred by the followers of Ayyavazhi. During the Eleven-day festival in Swamithoppe, on the eight day after the Kali vettai, scene of austirity of Ayya Vaikundar was...
in Swamithoppe. Then when the Kalineesan
Kalineesan
Kalineesan is someone who was caught by Kalimayai according to Akilattirattu Ammanai, the source of Ayyavazhi mythology. Kaliyan is the sixth fragment of Kroni and Kalineesan. According to Ayyavazhi mythology, the kalimayai captured the King of Travancore and henceforth was called Kalineesan....
came to arrest him he went once again in to the sea at Muttappathi
Muttappathi
Mutta Pathi , is one of the Pancha pathi, which are the primary centers for worship of the Ayyavazhi. This is the third important pilgrim center of Ayyavazhi...
and after that (in Tamil called the Vinchai), he returned Swamithoppe, from where he was arrested.
Then after his trial he was carried in a Vahana
Vahana
Vāhana denotes the being, typically an animal or mythical entity, a particular deva is said to use as a vehicle. In this capacity, the vāhana is often called the deity's mount. Upon the partnership between the deva and his vāhana is woven much iconography and mythology...
by his devotees to Swamithoppe where he incinerated the evil spirits and unified the Seven Virgins with himself. Then after the marriage with the deities in Ambalappathi
Ambalappathi
Ambala Pathi , also called as Pallathu pathi or Moolakunda pathi is one of the primary pathi of the Ayyavazhi, and the second important pilgrim centers of Ayyavazhi, and the place where Ayya Vaikundar is said to have unified all divine power into himself by symbolic marriages.According to Ayyavazhi...
he returned to Swamithoppe.
According to Akilattirattu Ammanai
Akilattirattu Ammanai
Akilathirattu Ammanai , also called Thiru Edu , is the main religious text of the Tamil belief system Ayyavazhi...
, Swamithoppe is the only place Narayana
Narayana
Narayana or Narayan or Naraina is an important Sanskrit name for Vishnu, and in many contemporary vernaculars a common Indian name. Narayana is also identified as the original man, Purusha. The Puranas present divergent views on Narayana...
(Vaikundar) slept (in Tamil: Pallikolluthal) after the incarnation. Then he send 700 families to Thuvayal Thavasu
Thuvayal Thavasu
Thuvayal Thavasu, literally washing penance, was a significant religious event that took place in the 19th century. It was also called as thuvayal panthi....
to Vakaippathi
Vakaippathi
Vakaippathi, one among the Panchappathis is a holy site for the People of Ayyavazhi.Vakaippathi is the place situated 4 km northeast to Kanyakumari in the seashore near vattakkotai. This is the place where 700 families from Swamithoppe were sent to Thuvayal Thavasu by Ayya Vaikundar; they were...
and organised festivals and celebrations. And after all the Avathara Ekanais he attained Vaikundam and his physical body was interred in the place which is now the Palliyarai
Palliyarai
Palliyarai+is a Tamil word used for the Sanctum Sanctoram in Hindu temples. It generally means the place for divine resting and is considered very holy by the Hindus...
of Swamithoppe.
Architecture and structure
Oil lamp
An oil lamp is an object used to produce light continuously for a period of time using an oil-based fuel source. The use of oil lamps began thousands of years ago and is continued to this day....
s (kuthuvilakku), an elunetru
Elunetru
Elunetru was the term used to denote the object placed in the sanctum sactorium of the worship centres of Ayyavazhi. The elunetru is a compiled structure of flame shaped copper, a saffron cloth and separate garlands made of rudraksha and Flowers...
, and a large mirror. On a raised pedestal, covered with kavi
Kavi
Kavi may refer to:*Kavi is a Sanskrit term for thinker, intelligent man, man of understanding, leader; a wise man, sage, seer, prophet; a singer, bard, poet, and is applied to:...
cloth, the temple also preserves some articles believed to have been used by Ayya Vaikuntar, including a rattan
Rattan
Rattan is the name for the roughly 600 species of palms in the tribe Calameae, native to tropical regions of Africa, Asia and Australasia.- Structure :...
cane (perampu) and a pair of wooden sandals. The Palliyarai is surrounded by inner corridors.
There is a fifty-five feet tall Flagmast at a distance of 50 feet from Palliyarai
Palliyarai
Palliyarai+is a Tamil word used for the Sanctum Sanctoram in Hindu temples. It generally means the place for divine resting and is considered very holy by the Hindus...
. And in north of flagmast there is a Unpanpurai. Here, they cook the food and distribute it to the devotees. There is a common well some 300 meters from the main Pathi. Akilattirattu Ammanai states that all the eighteen castes take baths from that well. It was considered sacred to bathe in and to drink the water from that well. Then there found a Paal Kinaru, in the extreme east, Vatakku Vasal
Vatakku Vasal
Vatakku Vasal is the north entrance of Swamithoppe pathi. It was here Ayya Vaikundar performed his Tavam. This is considered sacred by the followers of Ayyavazhi. During the Eleven-day festival in Swamithoppe, on the eight day after the Kali vettai, scene of austirity of Ayya Vaikundar was...
in the north and Sivaye Medai, which is also called Karuda medai in the west of Palliyarai. Then all these were surrounded by outer corridors. There is a bell tower above the spot where Vaikundar performed the Tavam.
Festival and celebrations
Kodiyettru Thirunal
Kodiyettru Thirunal is the festival celebrated in Swamithoppepathi for eleven days by the followers of the Ayyavazhi. This is celebrated three times annually during the Tamil months of Aavani, Thai and Vaikaasi. The festival for the month of Vaikasi is considered the most sacred and is celebrated...
, which was celebrated thrice in a year during the Tamil months of Vaikasi, Aavani, Thai. It startes with Kodiyetrru (flag hoisting) and ends on the eleventh day with Car procession. People from different parts of Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu is one of the 28 states of India. Its capital and largest city is Chennai. Tamil Nadu lies in the southernmost part of the Indian Peninsula and is bordered by the union territory of Pondicherry, and the states of Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh...
and Kerala
Kerala
or Keralam is an Indian state located on the Malabar coast of south-west India. It was created on 1 November 1956 by the States Reorganisation Act by combining various Malayalam speaking regions....
take part in this festival. Then the Thiru Eadu Vasippu
Thiru Eadu Vasippu
Thiru Eadu Vasippu is the festival celebrated in the worship centers of Ayyavazhi. It is celebrated for three, five, seven, ten or seventeen days annually. During these days the holy scripture of Ayyavazhi, the Akilattirattu Ammanai is sung...
, the Seventeen day festival, in which the whole contents of Akilattirattu Ammanai
Akilattirattu Ammanai
Akilathirattu Ammanai , also called Thiru Edu , is the main religious text of the Tamil belief system Ayyavazhi...
where read melodiously. It was celebrated during the Tamil month of Karthigai, the month at which it was written by Hari Gopalan Citar.
Nittham Thirunal— Daily Festival
As per the instructions in Akilam, the Swamithope pathi conducts daily festival (i.e.) every day is considered as a festival day. So the ritual practices conducted during festival days are conducted here throughout the year, though not in a grand scale as during the other festivals.The daily Panividai starts very early in the morning. Everyday, around 3 O’ clock the Payyans and the people staying at the temple go to Muthirikkinaru and take a holy bath. Then, they return to the Pathi
Pathi
Pathi is the name of the primary centres of congregational worship for the South Indian religious system of Ayyavazhi, having a relatively large structure like that of a temple...
and start the panividai. The Payyan
Payyan dynasty
Payyan dynasty is a family which manage and administer Swamithope pathi, the head quarters of Ayyavazhi. The genesis of Payyan dynasty was a bit uncertain. It was believed to be the descendants of Pothukkutty who was called as Payyan by Ayya Vaikundar...
chant Ukappatippu, and the devotees repeat it. Then, they open the door of sanctum sanctorum. It is considered sanctifying to witness this scene with the sounding of a dozen temple bells and conch. Then, there is the Vahana pavani.
Vahana pavani comes around the temple and along the four car streets, first through the Santhana Veethi and then through Ratha
Temple car
Temple cars are chariots used to carry representations of Hindu gods. The car is usually used on festival days, when many people pull the cart....
Veethi. The Nithiyapal is prepared daily and offered to Ayya Vaikundar
Ayya Vaikundar
Ayya Vaikundar , according to Akilattirattu Ammanai , a scripture of the Ayyavazhi, was a Manu Avatar of Narayana, incarnated as Muthukutty or Mudisoodum Perumal, a Nadar of Swamithoppe, Tamil Nadu Ayya Vaikundar , according to Akilattirattu Ammanai (or Akilam), a scripture of the Ayyavazhi, was...
ritually. It was the only food Ayya believed to be ate when in human form at Swamithoppe. This offering is done daily. The descendants of Podukutty, the first Pattathu Ayya of Payyan dynasty
Payyan dynasty
Payyan dynasty is a family which manage and administer Swamithope pathi, the head quarters of Ayyavazhi. The genesis of Payyan dynasty was a bit uncertain. It was believed to be the descendants of Pothukkutty who was called as Payyan by Ayya Vaikundar...
, prepare this daily at the Pathi
Pathi
Pathi is the name of the primary centres of congregational worship for the South Indian religious system of Ayyavazhi, having a relatively large structure like that of a temple...
. Thavanaipal, a gruel prepared with rice and green gram, is distributed to the devotees.
The Noon Panividai starts around 11 O’ clock. Daily Ucchipatippu is chanted. The devotees will repeat it and Thavanaipal is distributed to the devotees. One Sundays, large number of people from far and near come over here to participate in the Ucchipatippu.
Conch
A conch is a common name which is applied to a number of different species of medium-sized to large sea snails or their shells, generally those which are large and have a high spire and a siphonal canal....
. Then, the Payyan would chant ukappatippu. Those followers who congregate for the evening panividai would repeat this. Then, there will be vahana panividai. The Vahana is taken around the temple as well as the four car streets. After this, there will be Annadharmam.
This is the daily routine of Swamithoppe pathi. One can have a worship at any time of the day in this temple.
Ayya Vaikunda Avataram
The most important festival is Ayya Vaikunda AvataramAyya Vaikunda Avataram
The Ayya Vaikunda Avataram is a festival celebrated by the followers of Ayyavazhi on the 20th day of the Tamil Month of Masi, the date on which the Ayyavazhi followers believe that Lord Vaikundar arose from the sea at Thiruchendur as the son of Mummorthies to destroy the evil spirit of Kali and...
, the day at which Ayya Vaikundar incarnated from the sea at Tiruchendur
Tiruchendur
Thiruchendur is a panchayat town in Thoothukudi district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. This town has a different name called Thirucheer Alaiwai.-Demographics:...
. Though many worship centers including other Pathi
Pathi
Pathi is the name of the primary centres of congregational worship for the South Indian religious system of Ayyavazhi, having a relatively large structure like that of a temple...
s conduct celebrations during this festival, it is considered sacred to visit Swamithoppe on this day. So on this day Swamithoppe will get populated with the nation-wide Ayyavazhi
Ayyavazhi
Ayyavazhi is a dharmic belief system that originated in South India in the 19th century. It is cited as an independent monistic religion by several newspapers, government reports and academic researchers. In Indian censuses, however, the majority of its followers declare themselves as Hindus...
followers.
This is the largest festival conducted in Swamithope pathi. Several processions were held on that day which starts from different places including Thiruchendur
Thiruchendur
Thiruchendur Murugan Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Muruga and one of the Arupadaiveedu of Lord Muruga. It is located in the small town of Thiruchendur in the district of Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu, India. It is 55 km south-east of Tirunelveli, 40 km from Tuticorin and 75 km...
and Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram , formerly known as Trivandrum, is the capital of the Indian state of Kerala and the headquarters of the Thiruvananthapuram District. It is located on the west coast of India near the extreme south of the mainland...
and ends at Swamithoppe.
Location
Pancha pathi
Pancha pathi are the five important pilgrim centers of Ayyavazhi. These are also considered as the primary Pathis and as worship centers of Ayyavazhi with primary status. The first pathi is Swamithope pathi itself and is the headquarters of Ayyavazhi...
of Ayyavazhi
Ayyavazhi
Ayyavazhi is a dharmic belief system that originated in South India in the 19th century. It is cited as an independent monistic religion by several newspapers, government reports and academic researchers. In Indian censuses, however, the majority of its followers declare themselves as Hindus...
, and its geographical focal point. Swamithoppe Pathi, is located in the town of Swamithope
Swamithope
Swamithope is the name of a town that lies southeast of the City of Nagercoil, the capital of the District of Kanyakumari in the State of Tamil Nadu, at the extreme southern tip of India...
, which lies southeast of the City of Nagercoil
Nagercoil
Nagercoil is the 12th largest city in the southernmost Indian state of Tamil Nadu and a municipality and administrative headquarters of Kanyakumari District...
, the headquarters (capital) of the District of Kanyakumari
Kanyakumari District
Kanyakumari District ) is a district of Tamil Nadu state, India and is the southernmost land area of mainland India.The district is the second most urbanised district in Tamilnadu, next only to Chennai and ahead of Coimbatore. It also has the highest literacy and education levels in the...
in the State of Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu is one of the 28 states of India. Its capital and largest city is Chennai. Tamil Nadu lies in the southernmost part of the Indian Peninsula and is bordered by the union territory of Pondicherry, and the states of Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh...
at the extreme southern tip of India. Swamithope
Swamithope
Swamithope is the name of a town that lies southeast of the City of Nagercoil, the capital of the District of Kanyakumari in the State of Tamil Nadu, at the extreme southern tip of India...
lies about half-way between the Cities of Nagercoil
Nagercoil
Nagercoil is the 12th largest city in the southernmost Indian state of Tamil Nadu and a municipality and administrative headquarters of Kanyakumari District...
and Kanniyakumari on the Eathancaud-Manakkudi road.
This Pathi lies northern most to all other Pathi
Pathi
Pathi is the name of the primary centres of congregational worship for the South Indian religious system of Ayyavazhi, having a relatively large structure like that of a temple...
s within Pancha pathi
Pancha pathi
Pancha pathi are the five important pilgrim centers of Ayyavazhi. These are also considered as the primary Pathis and as worship centers of Ayyavazhi with primary status. The first pathi is Swamithope pathi itself and is the headquarters of Ayyavazhi...
. Nagercoil
Nagercoil
Nagercoil is the 12th largest city in the southernmost Indian state of Tamil Nadu and a municipality and administrative headquarters of Kanyakumari District...
(12 km) is the nearest Railway Station and Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram , formerly known as Trivandrum, is the capital of the Indian state of Kerala and the headquarters of the Thiruvananthapuram District. It is located on the west coast of India near the extreme south of the mainland...
(94 km) is the nearest International Airport. Town buses are available to Swamithope from Nagercoil
Nagercoil
Nagercoil is the 12th largest city in the southernmost Indian state of Tamil Nadu and a municipality and administrative headquarters of Kanyakumari District...
and Kanyakumari.