More on Andal's worship in Andhra

[Guest guest]

Happy New Year, everyone.

 

My compliments to Mr. Sadagopan for his interesting discussion on the

worship of Godha Piratti in Andhra and Karnataka. As most of my family

hails from Andhra, this aspect of the posting was of particular interest. I

thought I would take the liberty of adding a little to this.

 

Although the disconnection from the Tamil language has somewhat diluted some

of the traditions, many SriVaishnavas in Andhra still proudly conform to

many aspects of their Tamil heritage. The bride's adorning of the Andal

Kondai during a traditional wedding is just one example of this. This sense

of pride and legacy is further accentuated by the efforts of such notables

as SrimanNarayana Jeear, Ahobilam Jeear, and Andavan Jeear, who are doing

much to ensure the preservation and propogation of our rich sampradayam in

Andhra.

 

With respect to the worship of Andal, three Abhimana Sthalas stand out in my

mind as examples of the influence of Andal in Andhra. One is probably known

to many in this group, Sri Govindaraja Perumal Koil in Tirupati. Here,

Andal Piratti stands to the right of Perumal as His Main Consort.

 

Another example is the LakshmiNarasimhaswamy Temple in the hillock of

Yadagirigutta. The main sannidhi is located in a cavern on top of the

hill, where Lord Narasimha stands with Lakshmi. But, just outside the this

sannidhi is a small temple to Godha, who is referred to by the locals as

Andalammavaru. Devotees generally catch a glimpse of Andal before seeing

Lord LakshmiNarasimhan, and no visit to the Temple is considered complete

without the receiving of the Satari from the Goddess after exiting the main

sannidhi. In addition, during the performance of the Kalyanotsavam, the

Utsavar is wed both to Lakshmi, who is seated on His lap, and Andal, who

stands to His left.

 

Another temple where Andal receives special attention is the famous temple

to Lord Rama in Bhadrachalam. It is my understanding that Sri Andal

Kalyanotsavam, which serves as the culmination of Margazhi here, is as

important an Utsavam, at least for the SriVaishnava community, as Sri

Sita-Rama Kalyanam.

 

It is interesting to note, also, that even some of the newer city temples,

such as the Birla Temple in Hyderabad, have a sannidhi for Andal in them,

showing the role that Godha Piratti continues to have in the continuity of

SriVaishnavism in Andhra.

 

Daasanu Daasan,

 

Mohan