28-07-2025
Efficacy of Adi Puram
Andal or Goda manifested in the Tamil month of Adi, under the Pooram star, in Srivilliputtur, in the tulasi garden of Vishnu Chittar, also known as Periyazhwar, who was devoutly serving the resident deity, Vatapatrasayi. Andal composed the Tiruppavai (30 verses) and Nacchiyar Tirumozhi (143 verses). Andal's Tiruppavai has the essence of all the Vedas, said Tirukkudanthai Dr. Venkatesh.
It highlights the importance of surrendering to Bhagavan, singing His divine names, and being subservient to the devotees of the Lord. Just as Krishna's discourse is called Gitopanishad, Andal's Tiruppavai is revered as Godopanishad (the Upanishad of Goda). The great preceptor Ramanuja always used to chant Tiruppavai and hence came to be renowned as Tiruppavai Jeeyar. The verses of Tiruppavai played a vital role in helping Ramanuja explain the tenets of Visishtadvaitam to disciples.
Growing up, Andal expressed her devotion to Lord Vatapatrasayi by adoring herself with the garland meant for the deity, before it was offered to Him. When Periyazhwar found out, he admonished Andal and did not offer any garland to the deity on that day. However, that very night, Perumal appeared in Periyazhwar's dream and demanded to know why He was not offered the garland. When Periazhwar explained that it was desecrated because his daughter wore it, Vadapatrasayi said, 'It is consecration, not desecration,' and sought the Andal-worn garland as a daily offering.
When Perumal manifested as Varaha and retrieved Bhu Devi, She asked Him, 'You have saved me. What about countless humans who need to be ferried across the ocean of births?' He informed Bhu Devi that She would appear on Earth as Goda and teach devotees the importance of praying to God with flowers and verses at a very young age, and surrendering to Him. He also affirmed that whoever served Him in such a manner would receive His protection, even if the devotee were to forget to do so in later years due to approaching old age.
When Andal reached a marriageable age, and insisted upon marrying Rangamannar, the archa murti at Srirangam asked Periazhwar to bring her to His sanctum, wherein She attained eternal service at His lotus feet.
