Date:04/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/04/stories/2008080450070200.htm

Tamil Nadu

Expression of Andal’s divine love

On August 4, Monday, thousands of devotees will congregate at Srivilliputtur to witness the grand car festival of Natchiar Temple.

The festival, highlight of the 12-day Adi Pooram brahmotsavam, signifies the birth of a supreme devotee of Lord Vishnu, Andal.

It was on Adi Pooram day in the 10th century that Vishnusiddhar (Periazhwar) found this infant under the ‘Thulasi Maadam’ of the ‘nandavanam’ of Vadabadrasai Temple at Srivilliputtur.

The girl, named ‘Kothai’ (a beautiful garland), later transformed into one of the most venerated Alwars of Vaishnavism.

Love for the Lord

Her desire to marry Lord Ranganathaswamy of Srirangam and expression of divine love in the form of hymns (Tiruppavai and Nachiar Tirumozhi) made her an ardent devotee. Her love transcended space, time and age. It was this love that got Kothai the name, Andal (one who ruled over the Lord).

Pushpa yagam

The annual festival, which began on July 27, will culminate with a ‘pushpa yagam’ for Andal and Rangamannar on July 7.

Elaborate arrangements have been made by the district administration and the police for the smooth conduct of the festival largely attended by people from the southern districts.

A three-day exhibition of products made by Khadi and Village Industries Commission and women self-help groups was inaugurated by Collector V. Chandrasekaran at Serukkoor Tirumana Mandapam on Saturday to coincide with the Andal Adi Pooram festival.

The exhibition, sponsored by ‘Mahalir Thittam,’ features a variety of products, worth Rs 10 lakh, made by 16 SHGs from all over Virudhunagar district. They include toys made of wood and plaster of Paris, crystal garlands, ornaments, garments and products made of palm leaves. The objective of the exhibition is to popularise products made by SHGs and KVIC among the masses.

The Information and Public Relations Department has also organised a photo exhibition to disseminate information on the ongoing development schemes in the district and the various welfare schemes of the State Government.

S. Annamalai