Today is Thiruvadipuram - the birth day of Andal

Today is Thiruvadipuram [Puram Nakshathiram in the month of Aadi] – a most blessed day for all Srivaishnavaites – for this day marks the birth of Kothai Piratti [Andal]

Thiruvallikkeni Andal

Srivilliputhur Andal and Rangamannar

Andal’s birth occurred in the 98th year of Kali Yuga – Nala Varudam – in the month of Aadi – shukla paksham – chathurthasi day.   She was found in a thulsi garden at  Sri Villiputhur by Vishnu Chithar [Periyazhwaar].

Our Acharyar in his  ‘Upadesa Rathina Malai’ hails the day as  ‘ Periyaazhwar pen pillaiai Aandal pirantha thiruvadipurathin seermai’.  Uyyakkondar says in the thanian visualizing Srivilliputhur as a very special Divyadesam where Hamsam [anna pakshi] known for its power to separate milk from water are abundant and hails Andal for the verses with which she offered garlands to the Lord.

Sri ANDAL is the quintessence incarnation  of Shri Bhuma Devi, the divine consort of Sriman Narayana, who took birth on this earth to liberate suffering human  beings from worldly bondage. She sang thirty sweet songs containing the cardinal principles of Sri Vaishnava Dharma.  Other than Thiruppavai which is specially sung in all the days of the month of Margazhi, She also gave us 143 verses known as ‘Nachiyar Thirumozhi’.

Today, there will be grand procession [purappadu] of Andal at Srivilliputhur, Srirangam, Kanchipuram, Thiruvallikkeni and many other divyadesams.  The 10 day celebrations are on at Thiruvallikkeni also, which culminates grandly today. 

Andal in one of her verses calls for rain for the benefit of humanity ‘theengindri nadellam thingal mummari peiyuthu’.  Sunday 31st july 2011 was the 8th day uthsavam – there was rain and here one can have darshan of Thiruvallikkeni Andal covered for the rain.

Thiruvallikkeni Andal purappadu 310711

Her philosophy is clear and unmistakable.  She says ‘immaikkum ezhezhu piravikkum patraavan, nammaiyudaivan Narayanan nambi’  -  "Sriman Narayana is our refuge now and for ever and He will not let us down, for we are His possessions".

Here is a photo of a beautifully handicrafted velvet kooralam [the one kept on top covering the mantap] made for Andal and donated by a baktha in Triplicane.

The new kooralam.

Adiyen Srinivasadhasan.