Meivazhi Salai
Meivazhi Salai is a village in the Illuppur taluk, Pudukkottai district, Tamil Nadu, India. It is a small spiritual community, where the Meivazhi religion arose. It is located about 20 kilometers from the Pudukkottai City and about 38 kilometers from the Tiruchirappalli International Airport.
Meivazhi Salai | |
|---|---|
Village | |
 | |
  Meivazhi Salai Location in Tamil Nadu, India  Meivazhi Salai Meivazhi Salai (India) | |
| Coordinates: 10.480691°N 78.733542°E | |
| Country |  India |
| State | Tamil Nadu |
| District | Pudukkottai |
| Languages | |
| • Official | Tamil |
| Time zone | UTC+5:30 (IST) |
The village is known for its spiritual practices and festivals held every season. The followers of the Meivazhi religion gather at this village during every special occasion, marked in their Meivazhi calendar.[1]
The village community has banned electricity inside the fenced portion, where only thatched huts are allowed to be built. The rules were framed by the founder of the Meivazhi religion, so that the people will not be distracted by television and other modern amenities. Since most of its occupants are followers of the Meivazhi religion, they have followed all the principles and ethics established by its founder. However, people eventually started relying upon a solar-based power supply for essential purposes such as lighting.[2]
The village also forbids smoking, alcohol, gambling, and theft, and practices vegetarianism.[3][4]
References
- Nainar, Nahla (13 January 2018). "The way of Meivazhi Salai, where all faiths merge". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 16 March 2018.
- Deccan Chronicle Vol. 6, No. 81, 16 June 2010 Village chooses to live without electricity Retrieved February 2015
- Chennai DC Special, 16 June 2010 Meivazhisalai showcases alternate way of life Retrieved February 2015
- "மெய்வழி மதம்: பல்வேறு மதங்கள், சாதிகளின் சங்கமம்!". www.vikatan.com (in Tamil). Retrieved 29 January 2017.