Around 3500 years ago (1500 BC) the works of the ancient Dravidians were almost lost. During the Aryan invasion from the north many ancient schools and temples were destroyed or taken over/integrated into mainstream Vedic Hindu philosophy (a relatively young interpretation at the time).

Vedic Scholar Guru Bhimashankar Dattatriya while on his kSaitraja Atyadhvan (wandering of a scholar in order to reach a higher level of kSaitraja - spirituality); he happened across a near-deserted ancient Dravidian temple near Mahabalipuram. Only one Dravidian Swami remained - Swami Aaiyyan.

After both Guru and Swami realised each other's genuineness in the spiritual path. They both shared philosophies and secrets. According to the notes of the Guru Dattatriya a few years had passed when his Dravidian mentor began to teach him the 12 rings of Aaiyyan (based on ancient Dravidian philosophy and science). Each ring had a story/parable then an interpretation.

It took him 12 years to comprehend the rings of Aaiyyan and at the full understanding of the last sermon he realised that Aaiyyan was actually the Avatar form of Malaikilavon, the Lord of the Hills - an ancient sent down to teach man the truth, enlightenment and oneness. Aaiyyan then taught the Guru the seven secret keys of the Universal gate.

When Swami Aaiyyan merged into the collective One. Guru Dattatriya began his mission to spread the word of Aaiyyan.

After Guru Dattatriya there were 11 other Gurus/disciples in succession (these are called the Master Gurus of the Aaiyyanist tradition. Note also that four of the Gurus Masters were female devotees and two were of indigenous tribal origin, as the school of Aaiyyan at an early age revealed the oneness of all beings. We have highlighted the female (f) and indigenous(i) gurus for any students/scholars that are interested in exploring the universality of the Aaiyyan religion.

Guru Bhimashankar Dattatriya (1543BC-1462 BC)

Guru Vitachinta Dwivedi (1490BC -1401BC)

Guru Hotriya Upadhyaya (f) (1435 BC - 1343 BC)

Guru Jagadhguru Kanyakubja (1373 BC - 1288 BC)

Guru Mena Sarasvata (f) (1320 BC - 1231 BC)

Guru Yogi Gauda (1266 BC - 1168 BC)

Guru Modanatha Dravidas Mahavashtriyan (i)(1193 BC - 1106 BC)

Guru Vithi Telgu (f) (1134 BC - 1042 BC)

Guru Dravida Karnataka (i) (1066 BC - 970 BC)

Guru Tikshnapriya Sarasvata (1000 BC - 911 BC)

Guru Konavadin Prajapati (929 BC - 843 BC)

Guru Asha Saptrishi (f) (877 BC - 778 BC)

(Note the age Kali Yuga is denoted as 3102 BC - so the Gurus were anointed during the early part of the cycle.). For more details about the life and works read: The Journey by Guru Asha Saptrishi (see the book section for more details).

The list above shows the lineage of the Aaiyyani Gurus of Old. Here is a list of some prominent Aaiyyanists from the 20th century that have forwarded the cause of Aaiyyanist Hinduism and brought great peace and wisdom to the world: (see here).