Akilathirattu Ammanai

Author Hari Gopalan Citar states in the text that he wrote this book on a Friday, the twenty-seventh day of the Tamil month of Karthikai (13 December) in the year 1839 CE.

This story of faith weaves together the historical facts about Ayya Vaikundar and his activities with reinterpretations of episodes from the Hindu Puranas (mythologies) and Itihasas (epics).

While the floating ideas of the lines could be comparatively easily communicated, the underlying theme couldn't be understood unless the background and culture are understood, specifically a foundational knowledge of the Hindu pantheon of gods, the Hindu scriptures, Dharmic concepts and philosophy, and other rudiments of the religion.

It is a poetic narrative in Tamil intended to be an excellent compilation of the various aspects of Indian mythology and beliefs about God.

The ninth chapter describes in detail the events taking place in the divine plan during the incarnation of Vaikundar.

The last eight chapters focus on the legendary, empirical, historical and mythical aspects pertaining to the life of Vaikundar.

The book starts with the explanation given by Vishnu to his consort Lakshmi about the evolution of Universe and of human beings.

Additionally, there is said to be another event called the birth of Santror or noble people at the closure of Dvapara Yuga.

In order to stop the rule of Neesan and to bring an end to Kali-yuga, Vishnu made a plan to make Vaikundar incarnate as human.

From the point of incarnation of Vaikundar, it is said that he was made the supreme of all godhead, and will destroy Neesan and also the evil Kali Yuga.

Also, nothing is said about the period which follows Dharma yuga, which means that timeline is linear, and not circular as believed inside mainstream Hinduism.

All the major Hindu deities namely Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, Sarasvati, Lakshmi, Parvati, Skanda, and Ganesha are mentioned directly in the mythology throughout the book.

It is notable that Akilam is heavily against creating religions as it does not mention the term 'religion' at least once anywhere in the text and do refers only to God-heads, concepts and scriptures.

So the entire book focuses on social equality and strictly against Jati or the Indian caste system.

The key philosophy in the book is that human beings are by themselves separated from God by the influence of Kali, and Vaikundar has come for their redemption.

The most controversial versions of Akilam; Clockwise from top-left: Kalai Ilakkiya Peravai version , Anbukkodi Makkal-Iyakkam Version , Vaikundar Thirukkudumbam Version (1989) and DDPV
Evolution of Ekam , the source of whole existence (till Kali Yuga )
Thamarai Namam
Thamarai Namam