ANDAL THIRUKALYANAM

Andal was discovered under a tulasi plant in the temple garden of Srivilliputtur, by Vishnuchitta who was one of the most revered saints in Hinduism, Perialwar. She was named Kothai or Goda.

KRISHNA BHAKTHI

Perialwar showered all his love and affection on Kothai. Along with food, Perialwar also fed Krishna Bhakthi to Kothai. He would always tell "Govardhana" with his single finger, Kothai felt as if she was standing under the "Govardhana" along with Krishna and other gopikas. Kothai's mind was always occupied by Krishna only. Due to her influence, even her pet parrot would always say Krishna's various names.

As Kothai grew into a young girl, her Krishna Bhakthi transformed into love towards Krishna. Like her father, even Kothai started writing hymns on Krishna. She would also accompany her father to the garden to gather flowers for "Vadapathrasayee Perumal".

KOTHAI and PERUMAL's GARLAND

One night, Kothai dreamt that she was marrying lord Krishna. The dream made her very happy. But she was not sure whether she would make a perfect match for Krishna.

She found a flower garland tied by her father for "Vadapathrasayee". She thought if she were to be the bride for Krishna, she should look beautiful with the garland. She took the garland in her hand and adorned herself. She wanted to check her beauty. She went straight to the well in her backyard. The well water reflected her beauty.

Once she saw her image in the water, she was satisfied that she would be a perfect match for Krishna. She removed the garland and placed it in the same place where it was before. Unaware of all these, Perialwar took the garland and offered it to "Vadapathrasayee". He felt Perumal looked more beautiful than ever before. This was happenning for quite few days without Perialwar's knowledge.

ANDAL

One fine day Perialwar saw Kothai wearing the garland. He scolded Kothai for wearing Perumal's garland. With tears in her eyes, Kothai collected flowers again and made a new garland and offered it to Perumal.

The same day night, "Vadapathrasayee" appeared in Perialwar's dream. He liked only the garland worn by Kothai, he said. With that, Perialwar woke up. He called Kothai and told all about his dream. Kothai was very happy. Since Kothai ruled "Vadapathrasayee" with her affection, Perialwar started calling her "Andal" - one who rules.

THIRUPPAVAI

After this incidence Kothai alias Andal became more devoted to Krishna. When Perialwar started looking bridegrooms for Andal, Andal said that she would marry only Krishna and not any other normal human being. She also told Perialwar that she dreamt that Krishna was marrying her. Andal's Krishna bhakthi has matured into love.

During Krishna avatar, all gopikas performed a fast in the month of margazhi in order to marry Krishna. Since Andal wanted to marry Krishna, she followed their foot steps and started the fast in the month of margazhi, singing a new hymn everyday. Thus she sang 30 hymns for 30 days that was collectively called as "Thiruppavai".

PERIALWAR's DREAM

One night, Lord Ranganatha of Srirangam appeared in Perialwar's dream and asked him to bring Andal to Srirangam fully dressed as a bride. Sri Ranganatha also appeared in the King's dream ( who was ruling Srivilliputhur) and asked him to make arrangements for Andal's Kalyanam.

Perialwar wiped his eyes and told Andal about the dream. Finally her wish was coming true. Perialwar asked her to get dressed soon. Meanwhile, the king decorated the whole of Srivilliputhur with flowers. The king then sent a palanquin to Andal's house. Andal dressed like a bride got into the palanquin. With Perialwar, King and people following, the palanquin reached Srirangam.

ANDAL KALYANAM

The palanquin stopped in front of Sri Ranganatha's temple in Srirangam. Andal got out of the palanquin. The priests received Andal with due respect. Andal stepped into the temple and slowly walked towards the main sanctum. Of all these days, Andal was only hearing about Sri Ranganatha from her father, but today she was going to see him in person. She entered into the Santum Sanctorum. The sanctum was pretty dark but for a little oil lamp. With the help of the lamp, she saw the big black divine deity of Sri Ranganatha. Her eyes stopped to blink. Andal slowly walked towards Sri Ranganatha and with trembling hands, she touched his lotus feet. Lo and behold! Andal disappeared. 

At that very moment, Perialwar and rest of the people entered the sanctum. Perialwar witnessed Andal disappearing just in front of his own eyes.

VOICE of SRI RANGANATHA

Voice of Sri Ranganatha said that Andal was Boodevi's descent. Andal descended to earth to show the human kind, the way to reach god - That is LOVE.

Perialwar realized that his daughter had married the King of the Universe.

Perialwar transformed his house into a temple for Andal and SriRanganatha. Sri Ranganatha is called as RangaMannar in this temple.