Kandadai

Who is Kandadai?

Kandadai Andan was a shishya of the philosopher Ramanuja. His followers are also known as Iyengars. Swami Mudaliandan did not have children for long time. Once, while discussing with Sri Ramanuja, Andaan regretted about not having a child. At the same, Sri Ramanuja received prasadam from the Temple which was covered with a garment worn on Lord’s thirumeni. Sri Ramanuja indicated to Andaan about the auspicious happening and told him he will get a son soon. Soon, a son was born to Andaan. Thus, Andaan vamsam was called Kandadayar family. It is said that a whole street [north mada street] in SrIvilli-puttur bears the name 'kandaDaiyArvIthi', to signify the importance of the family.

Kandadai Andaan was born in Kumba month punarvasu star as an amsam of Chatrukana azhwar. He was born at Koil and his acharya was Sri Ramanuja. He learnt Sri Bashya, Veda, Sastra and Divya Prabandam from his father Swami Mudaliandaan. He learnt rahasyartham from Atkonda Villi Jeeyar. Like Sri Ramanuja, Kandadai Andaan had three acharyas – Sri Ramanuja, Swami Mudalinadaan and Atkonda Villi Jeeyar.