August 9, 2013: Sri Andal and Srivilliputtur are inseparable like Sri Meenakshiamman and Madurai.

She was born here in the Tamil month of Aadi on the day of ‘Pooram’.

This year, this day falls on August 9. It happens to be a Friday, ‘Aadi Velli,’ an auspicious day for all Hindu women.

As per the legend, Periyazhwar, a saint, found ‘Andal’ near a ‘tulsi’ plant in the temple garden of Vadapatra Sayee or Rengamannar as a five-year-old girl. He adopted her and brought her up in the divine atmosphere.

In turn, she helped her father prepare the garland for the Lord.

One day, he found her adorning herself with the garland meant for the deity, looking at the mirror and enjoying the spectacle.

He became furious and prepared another garland for the Almighty. However, the Lord asked him to offer the garland worn by her not only on that day but on all subsequent days.

Thus she came to be known as Andal (one who ruled the Lord) and ‘Choodi Kodutha Natchiar’ (one who offers flowers after adorning oneself).

Till date, the garland worn by her is sent to Tirupati, Srirangam and Madurai to adorn the presiding deities on all important occasions.

During the entry of Lord Kallazhagar into the river Vaigai, a major event of the Chithirai festival in Madurai every year, the Lord enters the river only after wearing the garland sent from Sri Andal Temple here.

An ardent devotee

Andal is one of 12 ‘Azhwars’ and the only woman who composed “Naalayira Divya Prabhandham,” a collection of 4,000 hymns in praise of the Lord. Her great works “Thirupaavai’’ and “Natchiyar Thirumozhi” are still being recited in temples during the month of Margazhi by Tamil devotees. She is more than a saint for millions of devotees. A shrine dedicated to her can be found in all Vishnu temples.

This year, the festival in Srivilliputtur began with the flag hoisting on August 1 and would conclude with a car festival on August 9.

The temple car here is the second largest one in the State preceded by Tiruvarur temple car and followed by Sri Nellaiappar Temple in Tirunelveli.

The temple tower is the Tamil Nadu government’s emblem.

Besides, the sanctum and sanctorum of Sri Andal is getting a golden roof.

The work is being carried out by Sri Natchiar Charity Trust with donations from philanthropists and devotees and not with government money.

Of course, the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment has been monitoring the work that is progressing fast.

Source: The Hindu, DT. August 9, 2013.