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Tuesday, 17 December 2024

SIGNIFICANCE OF GARLAND IN THE LIFE OF ANDAL

 



 

Kodhai is the pen name of Andal, a 9th-century Tamil poet-saint who is considered one of the 12 Alvars, the revered Vaishnavite saints of South India. She is also known as "Goda" and is highly regarded for her devotional poetry in praise of the Hindu god Vishnu. She composed two remarkable works, Tiruppavai and Nachiyar Tirumoḻi. 

 In the life of Andal, the garland was a symbol of her devotion to Lord Krishna and her connection to Him: 

Garland-wearing

Andal would adorn herself with a flower garland before offering it to Lord Krishna, checking herself in the mirror to ensure it looked beautiful. This act was an intimate expression of her love for Him. 

Garland incident

One day, Andal's father, Vishnu Chit, discovered a strand of her hair in the garland and was horrified. He rebuked Andal for her actions, but Lord Vishnu appeared to him in a vision and blessed Andal's offerings. 

Lord Vishnu, recognizing Andal's pure love, appeared in Periyalvar's dream and instructed him to dedicate only the garland worn by Andal to Him.

Divine acceptance

The garland worn by Andal was a sign of divine acceptance of her love. Andal became known as the "Chudikodutha Sudarkodi," the lady who wore and gave her garland to Vishnu. 

Garland in rituals

The garland, called Soodi kodutha malai, has been taken to Tirupati &Srirangam from Srivilliputur for rituals such as Brahmotsavam. The garland is decorated with a silk vastram and a toy parrot and is used to decorate the presiding deity of the respective temples.

 

Thus, in the legend of Kodhai-Andal, the garland is a symbol of her devotion to Vishnu and a transgression of ritual. 

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