Celebrating Andal and Aadi pooram

Born in Srivilliputhur, and raised as the daughter of Periyazhwar, the Vaishnavite saint who sang Pallanadu to Perumal, Andal is the manifestation of Bhoo Devi, the one who was rescued by Varaha from the churning oceans. Bhoo Devi is said to have told Varaha, “You have rescued me from drowning, but who will save millions of people who are drowning in the ocean of samsara saharam (the endless circle of life, death and birth)?” Mahavishnu then consoled Her saying, “You will be born as Kodhai in the nandavanam of Periyazhwar and save them all.” 

That is how Kodhai or Andal came into being—she was found as a baby in the tulasi garden of Periyazhwar. The famous lines, Karkate purva phalgunyam thulasi kananodhvhavam pandye visvambharam godam, vande sri ranganayakim, invoke everyone to pray to Her. It translates as, “I worship Sri Ranganatha’s consort (Andal), born in the tulasi grove in the month of Ashada (Tamil month, Aadi) in the Pandya desam. This Andal is the manifestation of Bhoo Devi (Supporter of the universe). Her birth in the month of Aadi, is celebrated on a grand scale and thousands of devotees converge upon Srivilliputhur. This year, Aadi Puram falls on July 26. From an early age, Andal turned Her mind towards God and never tired of listening to Her father sing praises of Lord Krishna. Taking a cue from the Bhagavad Gita, where Krishna says, “Chant my name loudly,” Andal’s mind and thoughts were focused on the Lord. Such was Her devotion that she first wore the garland made for the Lord and only then submitted it to Him. When her father Periyazhwar saw this, he was mortified and made a fresh garland for the Lord. 

However, the Lord accepted only the one submitted by Andal. Even today, the practice of awaiting Andal’s garland from Srivilliputhur is followed in Tirupathi, during the Garuda Sevai. 

Her Thiruppavai is considered to contain the root of all Vedas, and a reading of it puts one on the path of attaining moksha. Her appearance in Srivilliputhur has raised the town to divine heights. Vedantha Desikan, the Vaishnavite preceptor has said that Lord Ranganatha may be supine in Srirangam, but His eyes are turned towards Srivilliputhur all the time. A visit to Srivilliputhur at least once in one’s lifetime is mandatory. If one can visit the town on Aadi Puram, the benefits are boundless. One can be assured of lasting mental equipoise. Is there a better gift on earth? 

 — The writer lectures on spirituality.