Dharma is the doctrine of oneness that originated in the Samithoppu area of the Kanyakumari district of South India. Although Ayyavazhi is closely associated with Hinduism in many ways, it is maintained as a separate religion by the Ayyavazi religion. More than 80 lakh Ayyavazhi people have recognised Ayyavazhi as a separate religion. Although Ayyavazhi is followed outside Tamil Nadu, its growth is enormous in the southern districts of Tamil Nadu and the southern districts of Kerala. The annual reports of the Christian churches are the best evidence of the tremendous growth of Ayyavazhi in those areas. The doctrines, teachings, and philosophical doctrines of this time are expressed in the Ayyava scriptures, such as the International Book of the Goddess, Arulnul, and the teachings of Ayya Vaikundar. Although some parts of the cult's mythology and rituals are similar to those of Hinduism, often differing opinions are often expressed. Ayyavazhi differs greatly from Hinduism, especially in the power of evil and dharma doctrine. Among other religions - Hinduism with a colourful history, newly introduced Christianity, and deep-rooted idolatry in Islam - Ayyavazhi is emerging as an alternative religious-social organisation in origins.