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Andal (Tamil: ஆண்டாள்; ISO 15919: Āṇḍāḷ), also known as Kothai, Nachiyar, and Godadevi, was the only female Alvar among the twelve Hindu poet-saints of South India. She was posthumously considered an avatar of the goddess Bhudevi. As with the Alvar saints, she was affiliated with the Sri Vaishnava tradition of Hinduism.
Feb 2, 2018 · Theories abound – that Andal did not exist and was a pseudonym used by her father, Periyalvar. To form our own opinions, we must go into the backgrounds of the other Alvars.
- Backstory of The Alvars
- History and Early Life
- Andal and Ranganatha
- Works of Andal
The Alvars were medieval Vaishnavite poets who composed hymns in Tamil, making the essence of the Vedas accessible to more people. Four thousand songs written by the Alvars, compiled as the Nalayira Divya Prabanadham, are considered the equivalent of the Vedas. Even today, the (Tamil) Divya Prabanadham is chanted by those leading temple processions...
As a young woman, she fell in love with Lord Vishnu and refused to wed any mortal man. In her songs, she asks for His embrace, demands His caress. She rejects everything and everyone else. A woman with agency around the eighth century! Andal was devoted, yet audacious. A fascinating woman! One can know her only through her works. Language may be a ...
The biography of Andal reflected many legends about Andal, one of them being how she grew with a constant determination to marry Lord Ranganatha. She also started making a unique offering to the Lord. She used to wear a flower garland first herself and then offer it to God. As an explanation, she said that first wanted to see whether the garland lo...
Andal composed two poetic works in her lifetime, both in Tamil. Even though she compiled the poems in her teenage years, they display a high level of literary and religious maturity. Both of her works are often regarded as unique in their literary, philosophical, religious, and artistic content. Her contribution is even more remarkable considering ...
May 17, 2016 · Andal was the only woman among the twelve Alwars – medieval Vaishnavite poets who took the scriptures to the masses, composing hymns in Tamil that are considered the equivalent of the Sanskrit Vedas. Along with Shridevi (Lakshmi), Andal appears beside Vishnu as his consort, Bhoodevi – the personification of earth.
Jul 30, 2024 · On July 30, 2024. Andal, or Godadevi, is a prominent female Goddess in South India. She is one of the twelve South Indian Alvar saints. She is known for her pure devotion and love towards Lord Vishnu. Andal is also known for her poetry, which often depicts her love for Lord Vishnu.
Dec 22, 2023 · In the rich tapestry of Hindu mythology and devotion, Andal, also known as Goda Devi, stands as a radiant figure of pure love and unwavering devotion. Her life and spiritual journey, deeply rooted in the Bhakti tradition, continue to inspire generations of devotees.
Mar 23, 2021 · Known today as Srivilliputhur, a temple town 80 km south-west of Madurai, Puduvai and its legendary Andal hold a special place in the religious history of India. Legend and fact blend to tell us the story of Andal.
