Andal

Who is Andal?

Andal Tamil: ஆண்டாள் Äṇţāḷ is the only female Alvar among the 12 Alvar saints of South India. The Alvar saints are known for their affiliation to Srivaishnava tradition of Hinduism. Born in 3005 BCE, Andal is credited with the great Tamil works of Thiruppavai and Nachiar Tirumozhi that are still recited by devotees during the Winter festival season of Margazhi. Andal is known for her unwavering devotion to Lord Vishnu, the God of the Srivaishnavas. She was adopted by Alwar saint Periyalvar who found her as a baby lying under a tulasi (Ocimum tenuiflorum) plant in the temple garden of Srivilliputhoor. He named her 'Kodhai' or "gift of Mother Earth". The Srivilliputhoor Temple is dedicated to her, marking her birthplace.