Today is the Thirunakashtram of Andal (Jayanthi).
For the uninitiated, She is one among the 12 Azhwar saints of Srivaishnavism. Her works dedicated to the Supreme lord includes Thiruppavai and Nachiyar Thirumozhi. Some of the intricate doctrines of Srivaishnavism are to be found
For the uninitiated, She is one among the 12 Azhwar saints of Srivaishnavism. Her works dedicated to the Supreme lord includes Thiruppavai and Nachiyar Thirumozhi. Some of the intricate doctrines of Srivaishnavism are to be found
in Thiruppavai . Andal never refers to herself as Andal. She would like to be known as Vishnuchittan Kodai, Vishnuchitta or Periyazwar is her father. She was born in Srivilliputhur. The Govt of Tamilnadu chose the Srivilliputhur temple gopuram as its State emblem.
So important is this girl-saint that every Vaishnavite temple has a special sannidhi (sanctum) for her. She is in love with Sri Ranganatha of Srirangam and wanted to marry him. Ranganatha appears in a dream and summons her to Srirangam. Resplendent in silks, jewels and garlands,
Andal sets off in her pearl-encrusted palanquin. At the corner of the Srirangam temple, she sees the Lord in His gem-encrusted pallakku – she gets down rushes to Him, enters the Sanctum Sanctorum… and merges with Him. Andal’s dream comes true.
Anantazhvan, a disciple of Ramanujacharya, wrote a work titled Goda Catusloki, which records the greatness of Andal. To really get the mood of Andal You must visit Srivillputhur, her birth place. Immerse yourself in the beautiful heritage of our Dharma
