Sri Andal - One of the most extraordinary personalities in religious history Vankeepuram Rajagopalachariar gives an introduction to Sri Andal and her extraordinary works

The life of Sri Andal is remarkable for its romantic simplicity

A devout Brahmin of Srivilliputtur, Vishnuchitta (Periazhvar) one morning discovered a baby girl lying under a Tulasi plant. He named her Goda, which in Sanskrit signifies proficiency in speech or words; giver of sweet hymns, one given by earth, giver of garlands, of cows, of light and so on.

Legend says, Goda is the incarnation of Bhoo Devi (Mother Earth)

Even at a tender age Goda decided that she would marry none but the Lord. Therefore, everyday she would secretly bedeck herself with flower garlands made by her father for the Lord Vata-Patra-Sayi. Her father, Periazhvar, when he came to know of it, was aghast at his daughter’s indiscreet act and chastised her. He then proceeded to make fresh garlands for the Lord. That very night the Lord in a dream told Periazhvar and the temple priest (Archaka) that nothing pleased Him so much as the flowers and garlands, which were first worn by Goda. It was then that Vishnuchitta understood the greatness of Goda. Since then she came to be known as Chudikkodutta Nacchiar. Hagiography further details the wedding of Sri Andal with Lord Ranganatha of Srirangam.

© "Nrisimhapriya" (December, 2003) published by Sri Nrisimhapriya Trust, # 30, Desika Bhavanam, Venkatesa Agraharam, Mylapore, Chennai 600 004. Website: www.ahobilamutt.org. Reprinted with permission.

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