Ayyanar Of Ajivika Poem by Rm. Shanmugam Chettiar

Ayyanar statues dot the rural landscape
of Tamil Nadu and not a Hindu God.
He is not to be confused with Aiappa.
He is the founder of Aseevagam faith,
The faith as old as Jainism and Buddhism,
An immigrant to the South from the North,
Has managed to stay in Tamilnadu
Since Sangam era till now as Hindu convert.

Sages of Aseevagam are Siddhars
Therapy used by them is Siddha cure.
Saivam was detrimental to its growth.
Vaisnavam was instrumental to its growth.
Jainism was favourable to its growth.
Vedic onslaught proved fatal to its growth.
Elephant was its favourite animal,
From which came Vinayaka, Hindus' prime God.
28.10.2022