Andal

INTRODUCTION:

Andal  is the female Alvar, and also a great poet and a saint, who dedicated her entire life towards the worship of Lord Vishnu. She is believed to be born during 7th century AD at Srivilliputhur.

LIFE

Andal was brought up by Periazhwar, who was a sincere devotee of Lord Vishnu, and he used to wear garland to Perumal every day. It is believed that one day, Andal has worn the garland before dedicating it to the God. Periazhwar, was very much  upset with this incident. And then Lord Vishnu appeared in his dream, and asked him to dedicate only the garland worn by Andal to him. It is also believed that Sriranganathan(Lord Vishnu) married Andal, and who later merged with the God.

IMPORTANCE

Andal was one of the famous poet and saint in tamilnadu. She is considered to be the incarnation of Bhoomi Devi (Mother Earth). During Margazhi month, discourses on Thiruppavai will take place. The  Srivilliputhur Temple is dedicated to Andal. In most of the  Vishnu temples, a separate shrine for Andal will be there. Andal is known for her sincere devotion to Lord Vishnu.

FESTIVALS

Every year during Aadi month, "AADI POORAM" festival, also known as “ANDAL JAYANTHI”, is celebrated in the Andal Temple in a grand manner at Srivilliputur,Tamil nadu. Lot of devotees will gather at the temple, and will make their joyful worship. Apart from this festival, there are a number of festivals dedicated to Andal, which falls during the month of Margazhi..
 

DEVOTIONAL WORKS

1.Thiruppavai.
2.Nachiar Tirumozhi.

CONCLUSION

Andal, an avatar of the earth god, is very much known for her pure bhakti, and she was a great poet. Her poems will be played in the speaker in most of the Vishnu temples, at the early morning of the margazhi month, which will be cheerful to the ears. Let the great Bhoomi Devi bless us, and give us all the basic needs like food, clothing and shelter and also a peaceful and happy life.
“OM SREE ANDAL THAYE NAMAHA”
“OM NAMO NARAYANA”