Andal Temple Timings
Morning Darshan Time is from
Detail puja timings at Srivilliputhur Andal
Temple
Srivilliputhur Andal Temple – Origin Story – Andal Garland
The Srivilliputhur Andal Temple, steeped in mythology and
devotion, holds a fascinating story that intertwines divine intervention and
unwavering devotion. The temple is historically known as Varaha Kshetra and was
originally a dense forest called Champaka, where sages Bhrigu and Markandeya
performed their penance. Their peace was disturbed by a demon named Kalanerai,
prompting them to pray to Vishnu for deliverance. Pleased by their devotion,
Vishnu appeared, slayed the demon, and chose to reside in the forest, reclining
on Adisesha, the serpent, on a banyan leaf. This divine presence transformed
the forest into Vadaveshwarapuram.
Periyalvar, originally named Vishnu Chittar, was a devout
worshipper of Vishnu and lived in this sacred region. His devotion was evident
in his daily practice of stringing garlands for Vishnu. Despite his piety,
Periyalwar and his wife were childless, which led him to pray fervently for a
child. One auspicious day, he discovered a baby girl under a tulasi plant in
the temple garden. Believing her to be a divine gift, he and his wife named her
Kothai. As Kothai grew, she became a fervent devotee of Krishna, an incarnation
of Vishnu.
Kothai, in her deep devotion, began a unique practice of
wearing the garlands intended for Vishnu before offering them to the deity.
When Periyalwar discovered this, he was initially distressed and chastised her.
However, Vishnu appeared in his dream and revealed that he preferred the
garlands that Kothai had worn, acknowledging her deep devotion. Following this
divine instruction, Kothai became known as Andal, meaning "she who
ruled," and also Choodi Kodutha Sudarkodi, "the lady who gave her
garland to Vishnu."
This tradition continues to this day, with the garlands worn
by Andal being sent to various temples. On Chitra Pournami day, the garland is
sent to Azhagar Kovil, where the presiding deity, Lord Kallazhagar, wears it
before entering the River Vaigai. During the Tamil month of Puratasi
(September-October), the garland is also sent to the Tirumala Venkateswara
Temple during the Garuda Vahana festival during the Navratri Brahmotsavam.
In a profound aspect of her story, Andal is believed to have
been united in marriage with Ranganatha, the presiding deity of the Srirangam
Ranganathaswamy Temple. Tradition holds that she was taken in a palanquin from
Srivilliputhur to Srirangam for this divine marriage, where she eventually
merged with the idol of Ranganatha. Because Ranganatha is regarded as a king
(Raja), he is also known as Rangamannar in this context. This divine union is
celebrated with great fervor and continues to inspire devotion among the
followers of the temple.
The Srivilliputhur Andal Temple thus stands not only as a
site of historical and architectural significance but also as a symbol of
divine love and devotion, immortalized through the legend of Andal.