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.
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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