Andal Puja, celebrated on Aadi Pooram, is a sacred and joyous occasion dedicated to Goddess Andal, the only female Alwar (saint) among the twelve revered Vaishnavite saints. Aadi Pooram falls in the Tamil month of Aadi (July–August), on the day when the Pooram (Purva Phalguni) Nakshatra rises. This day marks the birth of Andal, an incarnation of Goddess Bhudevi and the beloved consort of Lord Vishnu (Sri Ranganatha).
Andal is known for her deep devotion to Lord Vishnu and her divine compositions, especially the Thiruppavai—30 hymns sung in praise of the Lord. The Andal Puja performed on Aadi Pooram celebrates her birth, devotion, and divine union with the Lord.
Devotees rise early and take a sacred bath before beginning the puja. An idol or picture of Goddess Andal, often depicted holding a parrot and wearing garlands, is decorated with flowers, silken garments, turmeric, and kumkum. Special emphasis is given to garlands, as Andal is believed to have worn them before offering them to Lord Ranganatha.
Offerings include:
- Sweet pongal, curd rice, and buttermilk
- Betel leaves, bananas, and coconut
- Fragrant flowers, especially tulsi and jasmine
- Sandal paste and incense sticks
Devotees recite Thiruppavai, Nachiyar Thirumozhi, and perform aarti with devotion. In temples like Srivilliputhur, Andal’s birthplace, grand celebrations and processions are held, with thousands of devotees participating.
Women pray especially for a happy marriage, family harmony, and spiritual devotion. Unmarried girls often observe fasts and offer garlands, seeking Andal’s blessings for a suitable life partner, as she is considered the ideal devotee-bride.
Andal Puja on Aadi Pooram symbolizes pure devotion, divine love, and unwavering faith, inspiring devotees to walk the path of bhakti (devotion) with sincerity and joy.
