Margasira maasa and Andaal kalyaNam

January 19, 2001

Many Vaishanvates are familiar with Andaal or Godadevi.

Historically I am not sure exactly when she existed, but she is

considered as one of the twelve alwars or great devotes of the Lord

Vishnu and her bhakti involves taking the Lord himself as her

husband. Her father,

Shree Vishunu Chitta is also a great bhakta and is called Peri

Alwar. In Vishnava temples her poetry tiruppaavia is chanted daily

particularly during this dharnurmaasam. (serving hot hot pongal) It

is not only highly musical but also philosophical. During the end of

this dharnurmaasam, Her marriage is also performed with the Lord,

Andaal Kalyaanam with Shree Ranganatha. Her father was worried that

she did not know how to cook and how the Lord is going to manage with

her. Lord of course assures his would be father in law that he will

some how manage since he got used to people offering all sorts of

food! Hence symbolically during the marriage function Lord is

offered with naivedyam that has no salt - so that he can get used to

saltless diets or tasteless diets after marriage - or may be they

thought His blood pressure will go up after the marriage with two

wives he has to deal with.

For those who are in Washington DC area there is a special puja at

Shree Shiva Vishnu Temple in Lahnam - Andaal kalyaNam with the Lord

Venkateswara, this Sunday morning. Immediately after the puja

(around noon) there is going to be a beautiful kuchipuDi dance ballet

Andaalkalyaanam by Kalamandapam group - We ignore the fact that it is

my wife's dance school that is performing and my daughter is flying

from tomorrow from Chicago to enact as Shree Ranganatha. If you are

nearby and can make it early you can also enjoy my dancing around the

stage before the drama starts in trying to get all the props arranged.

Hari Om!

Sadananda

--

K. Sadananda

Code 6323

Naval Research Laboratory

Washington D.C. 20375

Voice (202)767-2117

Fax:(202)767-2623

January 20, 2001

K. Sadananda [sada]