Etymology of Ayyavazhi
This etymological topic deals with the origin, regeneration and evolution of various names by which Ayyavazhi is referred or identified throughout the period of Ayyavazhi history. Though the name " 'Ayyavazhi' " is commonly used and the most accepted term to represent Ayyavazhi there are other terms too which are used to refer it. Ayyavazhi. The exact origin of the name "Ayyavazhi" is not known. The various theories on its derivation include: The synonymous versions of the phrase are virtually unlimited, because the usage of the word 'Ayya' in Tamil varies widely. It is used to convey the words  father, "guru", "the superior", "a person of dignity", "respectable one", "master", "the king", "the teacher", "preceptor", etc. The word 'vazhi' in Tamil can mean "the way", "a course of conduct", "manner", "method", "mode", "cause", "antiquity", "succession", "religious system", "reason", and so on. As Muttukuttyism. This was a name given to Ayyavazhi during the late 19th century by the London Missionary Society Missionaries who is of negative views over Vaikundar. So they pour hatred on both Vaikundar and the belief centering him. They, however, recognise Ayyavazhi as an alternate religious phenomenon against or outside Hinduism. They referred to Ayyavazhi as "Muttukutyism , being mistaken that Muttukutty is the one who believed as a god-incarnate by the followers. The following is a quote from the Annual report of Nagercoil Mission district, Kottaram Division (Eastern division), of LMS for the year 1872.