Srivilliputhur Andal Temple

Introduction

Srivilliputhur is famous as the birthplace Andal, the great saint-poet. She is regarded as the incarnation of Bhoomadevi, the divine consort of Lord Vishnu, and remains the only female among the 12 Azhwar saints. The temple is actually as much dedicated to Lord Vatapatrasayi, as to Andal, but has gained prominence as Andal's birthplace. It is a Divyadesam, a Vishnu abode, which the Azhwar saints have sung about in their sacred hymns. It is located in the town of Srivilliputhur in Virudhunagar district of Tamil Nadu. Incidentally, this is also the place of birth of Periyazhwar, another Azhwar saint, whose adopted daughter was Andal. By marrying his daughter Andal to Vishnu, Periyazhwar became the father-in –Law of Vishnu himself.

Temple Legends

There is a story about how this place got its name. Once queen Malli ruled this place, and she had two sons, Villi and Kandan. When the brothers went hunting, Kandan was killed by a tiger. But Villi, unaware of his brother's death, searched for him in the forest, got tired, and fell asleep. A divine voice is then said to have told him the truth and instructed him to commission a town in his name. Thus 'Sri Villi Puthur' was born. It is also said that once this was a thick forest where sages Brihu and Markandeya were doing penance. However, they were harassed by the demon Kalanerai, and on the request of the sages. Lord Vishnu slew him. The Lord is said to have stayed here itself, reclining on serpent Adisesha, on a banyan leaf. He thus got the name Vatapatra Sayi, where 'Vata Patram' is banyan leaf, and 'Sayi' is the one who is lying down.

Periyazhwar, who belonged to this place, used to maintain a garden, string together flowers and offer them to the deity daily. He was without issue, and once, he found a girl baby under a Tulsi plant and brought her up as Kothai. The divine girl developed a strong liking for Krishna and made it a practice to wear the garland made by her father before it was offered to the deity. When Periyazhwar came to know of this, he was very upset but was told by the Lord in a dream that he preferred only the garlands worn by his daughter. Kothai thus came to be hailed as Andal, the one who ruled even the Lord. And as she wished to marry none other than the Lord himself, it is said that she married Lord Srirangam Ranganatha, and merged with him. Since Ranganatha came like a king to marry her, he is called Rajamannar, in this temple. Even today, it is a practice to offer the garland worn by her to the deities of a few other temples.

The History and Architecture of Srivilliputhur Andal Temple

This 8th-10th century temple is in the Dravidian style of architecture, where many inscriptions of the Chola, Pandya, and Nayak periods are found. Thirumalai Nayakar and Rani Mangammal have also contributed a lot to this. Broadly, the temple has two parts – the one with the shrine of Vatapatrasayi, and the other that contains the Andal shrine. The majestic, reclining form of Lord Vatapatrasayi can be worshipped in the sanctum along with his consorts, and sages Brihu and Markandeya. The banyan tree that contributed to his name can be found near his head. Goddess Andal can be worshipped in her shrine, along with Lord Rangamannar, and his mount Garuda. Granite walls enclose the shrines, some of its water bodies, and also the garden where baby Kothai was found. Exquisite sculptures, intricate wooden carvings, and beautiful paintings add to the aesthetic value of the temple complex.

The 59-meter high Rajagopuram, the main tower, looks imposing and is believed to have been built originally by Periyazhwar. This tower remains as the state emblem of Tamil Nadu.

Temple Festivals

Aadi Pooram remains the most significant of the temple festivals. Aadi Pooram, the Pooram star day of Aadi month (July-August), is the day of the advent of Andal. This is observed for 10 days, and the 'Thirukalyanam,' the divine marriage of Andal with Ranganatha, is celebrated on the last day. Other festivals are also celebrated here, with the usual devotion and enthusiasm.

Benefits of worshipping Goddess Andal and the Lord

It is a popular belief that girls of marriageable age who worship Goddess Andal will soon get married to most suitable grooms. People also offer worship here for better understanding and intimacy with their spouses. It is also a belief that the Lord can grant progeny blessing and longevity.