Vayadharma

Vayadharma
വയധർമ്മം
Type	Indigenous religion
Classification	Nature religion
Orientation	Animistic with polytheistic, pantheistic, and ancestor-focused elements.
Scripture	Fronds of Wisdom
Theology	Pluralistic, honoring the sun goddess as a primary figure while embracing diverse spiritual entities
Polity	Decentralized
Governance	Localized, with temples led by monks, nuns, community elders, and keepers
Structure	Non-hierarchical, community-based
Monastic Communities	Village temples
Associations	Associated with the Saripoon monarchy (ceremonial role)
Region	Saripoon
Language	Saripooni
Liturgy	Rituals vary by region, blending oral tradition and seasonal ceremonies
Headquarters	None (decentralized structure)
Founder	Evolved from early Saripooni traditions
Origin	Prehistoric origins (codified during early Saripooni civilization) Saripoon
Community Temples	Varies (each village has at least one temple)

Vayadharma, commonly known as Sarvaya, is the indigenous religion of Saripoon, a deeply spiritual and nature-based faith that emphasizes balance, harmony, and interconnectedness. Rooted in reverence for the natural world, ancestors, and the divine, Vayadharma provides a framework for ethical living and spiritual growth, blending philosophical teachings with vibrant rituals and local traditions.

The religion centers on the cosmic river, a sacred metaphor for the universe, flowing from creation to eternity. At its heart is the sun goddess, the creator and life-giver, who embodies warmth, light, and the sustaining forces of existence. Complementing her is the moon god, who represents intuition, reflection, and guidance, symbolizing the cycles of life and the duality within all things. Together, they form the foundation of a worldview that values the "middle path"—a balanced approach to life that embraces both joy and discipline.

Vayadharma integrates a rich tapestry of beliefs, including the veneration of ancestral spirits Pranatha, mythical beings like dragons and heavenly fish, and a zodiac system tied to local animals and elements. Temples, often the heart of Saripooni villages, serve as centers for worship, community gatherings, education, and care for the elderly. Practices range from daily offerings to elaborate festivals, such as the floating lantern ceremonies that honor ancestors and renew spiritual connections.

Inclusive and adaptable, Vayadharma respects individuality and embraces diversity, welcoming LGBTQ+ identities and offering roles and paths that align with each person's unique qualities. Its teachings emphasize forgiveness, humility, and charity, alongside the celebration of life’s vibrancy and warmth. With a decentralized religious structure rooted in local traditions, Vayadharma reflects the deep relationship between Saripooni people, their land, and their spiritual heritage.

Etymology

The name Vayadharma is derived from two key terms: "Vaya", meaning "river" or "flow," and "Dharma", which translates to "law," "path," or "cosmic order." Together, Vayadharma can be interpreted as "The Path of the River" or "The Law of the Flow," reflecting the religion’s central metaphor of the universe as a great cosmic river. This river symbolizes the eternal cycle of life, death, and rebirth, as well as the interconnectedness of all beings.

The more colloquial name, Sarvaya, is commonly used by practitioners and translates roughly to "All Flow" or "Universal Stream," emphasizing the inclusivity and harmonious nature of the faith. Sarvaya underscores the idea that all aspects of life—human, natural, and divine—are part of a unified flow, governed by balance and guided by spiritual forces.

These names embody the religion’s philosophy, which values balance, adaptation, and connection with the natural and spiritual worlds. The river, as a central symbol, also reflects the physical landscape of Saripoon, where waterways are vital to daily life and culture. It is said that the river not only sustains the land but also serves as a bridge between the physical and spiritual realms, carrying the prayers of the faithful to the divine.

The term Vayadharma became formalized during the early Saripooni civilization, when sacred teachings were first inscribed on palm fronds and oral traditions began to be codified. While the name carries a sense of universality, its practice remains deeply local, with each community adapting the "law of the flow" to their unique environment and spiritual needs.