In late 40s and 50s, when Dravidar Kazhagam was making an all out effort to attack all Hindu religious practices, PUjya Kanchi Sankaracharya of Kanchi, revered as Mahaswami, found Andal’s Thiruppavai as the very effective means to instil Bhakti in the minds of the youth of Tamil Nadu. The sage entrusted to Musician Ariyakudi Ramanuja Iyengar the task of reviving the singing in Tiruppavai in Carnatic Music concerts in Sabhas. Ramanuja Iyengar set them to appropriate Ragas, and taught them to his disciples. It caught the imagination of the youth. Tirupavai singing became very popular across all the southern states. The tradition continues to this day. Saint Ramanuja was also inspired by her and he also followed her in establishing brotherhood through Bhakti.
Reformer and Exemplary Leader
Andal was brought up in Brahminical surroundings. Her Bhakti made her to realise and God is one and beyond all caste barriers. Accordingly, she revived the practice of Katyayani vratam followed in ancient days by adapting them to her situation. She imagined herself to be a gopika of Brindhavan and imparted the same feelings (bhava) to the girls from all communities of her neighbourhood. She followed all the austerities required and guided her mates also in the path of devotion. All in the public life can take a leaf from her life and sayings on how one should lead by example to achieve higher goals of life.
Continued relevance of Andal
All sections of Hindu society in Tamil Nadu worship Andal. She is an unifying factor till date.For the very same reason, forces inimical to Hindu consolidation direct their frustration and ire on Andal. It has been happening time and again. Last one came from a lyricist in December 2018. Hindu society gave him and his ilk a befitting reply.
Life and Message l
Andal is venerated as an incarnation of Bhumadevi or Mother Earth by Hindus. She appeared on this earth just like Sita Mata. She was found in the Tulsi grove in the garden tended by Periyazhvar who was living in Srivilliputhur. It was on a Pooram Nakshatra day in the month of Ashada (Aadi in Tamil) as per Saurmana Panchanga. (This year Aadi Pooram occurs on July 24).
Icon of Prema Bhakti
Periyazhvar or Vishnu Chitha was a devotee of Lord Vishnu revered as Ranga Mannar. Periyazhvar was following the practice of making garland and offering to the presiding deity. Naturally, Andal grew in an environment listening and singing the glories of Krishna. Gradually, the worship became a Prema Bhakti. She visualised herself as the premi (lady love) and through her poems expressing her single minded devotion to Krishna praying Him to come and get her married. Eventually. Lord in Sri Rangam, in the broad day light in the presence of a large gathering came out of the Sanctum Sanctorum, held her hands and the Divine pair merged into one. Thus she is a role model of Prema Bhakti to Meera, Jayadeva, Kabirdas, Ramakrishna Paramahamsa or Subramaniya Bharati. She is the only lady included in the pantheon of 12 Alwars.
Poetry and Music
Andal authored two collections, Tiruppavai and Nachiyar Thirumozhi. Tiruppavai is a text having 30 verses, prayer made as a group of girls of Srivilliputhur. On the other hand, Nachiyiar Thirumozhi has 105 verses which is a one to one prayer to Lord and expressions of her longing to get married to Lord without any delay.
