Swamithope Pathi

Swamithoppe Pathi
Western Entrance
Religion
AffiliationHinduism
DistrictKanyakumari
DeityVaikundar (Trimurthi), Lakshmi, Narayana
FestivalsAyya Vaikunda Avataram
Kodiyettru Thirunal
Panguni Theertham
Location
LocationSwamithoppe
StateTamil Nadu
CountryIndia
Swamithope Pathi is located in Tamil Nadu
Swamithope Pathi
Location in Tamil Nadu
Geographic coordinates8°7′23″N 77°29′48″E / 8.12306°N 77.49667°E / 8.12306; 77.49667
Architecture
TypeDravidian architecture[1]

Swamithoppu Pathi (Tamil: சுவாமிதோப்பு பதி, Swamithoppu-pathi, Manavai-pathi, Detchana-pathi, or Thamarai-pathi) is the primary pathi of the Ayyavazhi and the sacred venue of the Tavam. Swamithope is considered primary among the Pancha pathi and the primary centre of the incarnational activities of Vaikundar.

According to the Ayyavazhi legends, Lord Vaikundar, an incarnation of Lord Narayana, carried out his tavam at Poovantanthoppe, attracting many followers across India.[2] Upon his death, Lord Vaikundar is believed to have been interred there, with the square-shaped 'pathi' constructed to envelop him. The holy book Akilathirattu Ammanai of Ayyavazhi refers to the temple as "Thoppuppathi".

  1. ^ Urwick 2007, p. 58.
  2. ^ C. Paulose, Advaita Philosophy of Brahmasri Chattampi Swamikal, Chapter 2, p. 24: "To propagate his teachings and ideas he opened upon 7 Patis and 7 Tangs in Travancore and hundreds of small Pagodas through India."