Today is Thiru Aadi Pooram, the 9th Azhwar Andal’s birthday. I had written about it last year too – Thiru Aadi Pooram – Happy Birthday Andal.
I found this fantastic thread by Ashwin Sampathkumaran (@ashwinsampathk) – Andal Jayanthi. Reposting it here.
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 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.
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
Today at Srivilliputhur, the Thiru Ther (chariot) was taken out after two years !! A short glimpse of it through Maha Media TV –
For Vishnucitta Kodhai Jayanthi today, I made Aval Payasam (Poha Kheer) with cashew milk. Poha is Andal and my beloved Krishna’s favourite food :). It was a great coincidence that we could share the Naivedyam with our friend Deepak who happened to visit us. Also shared Andal’s significance with him.
Will probably listen to the golden divine voice of MLV singing Thirupaavai … even though its not the month of Margazhi.
Thank you for the information mam