Andal is credited with the great Tamil works, Tiruppavai and Nachiar Tirumozhi, which are still recited by devotees during the winter festival season of Margazhi. Active in the 8th-century, with some suggesting 7th-century. The Alvar saints are known for their affiliation to the Srivaishnava tradition of Hinduism. As the entire tree and the trees coming from it are hidden in the subtle seed, so is the entire essence of vedam hidden in Thiruppavai which can be revealed only under the guidance of an acharya or a guru who is well versed in vedic scriptures.Īndal (Tamil: ஆண்டாள் ) is the only female Alvar among the 12 Alvar saints of South India. Thiruppavai is said to be 'Vedam Anaithukkum Vithagum', meaning it is the seed of the vedam. She yearns for everlasting happiness and service of the Lord. Towards the end we learn that she did not actually perform a religious rite but is simply praying to be granted the service of the Lord for eternity. Andal appears intent upon performing a particular religious vow to marry the Lord, thereby obtain His everlasting company, and inviting all her girl-friends to join her. Andal assumes the guise of a cowherd in these 30 verses. Vaishnavas sing these songs to bring peace, prosperity and Divine Grace. There are references to this vow in the late-sangam era Tamil musical anthology Paripadal.Īndal's thirty songs contain the cardinal principles of Vaishnava dharma during the month of Marghazhi. This practice assumes special significance during Margazhi: each day of this month gets its name from one of the thirty verses.
Sri Vaishnavas sing the Thiruppavai stanzas every day of the year in the temple as well as in their homes. Thiruppavai belongs to the Pavai genre of songs, a unique Tamil tradition sung in the context of the Pavai vow (Vratham or ritual) observed throughout the month of Margazhi. It is part of Divya Prabandham, a work of the twelve Alvars, and is an important part of Tamil literature. The Thiruppavai (திருப்பாவை) is a collection of thirty stanzas (paasurams) written in Tamil by Andal (also known as Nachiyar), in praise of the Lord Perumal(Vishnu).
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