Andal Kodhai -- Tamil Saint Goddess in Flower Garden HD Wallpaper
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About this image
Andal -- the only female among the twelve Alvars, the great Vaishnavite poet-saints of Tamil Nadu -- stands serenely in a flowering garden that seems to bloom in response to her presence. Wearing a traditional orange-red silk sari with a broad gold border, jasmine and tulasi garlands woven through her long black hair, a green parrot perched familiarly on her shoulder, she holds a single lotus with the effortless grace of one who has lived among flowers her entire life. Behind her, the towering gopuram of Srivilliputhur temple rises against the sky. Born in the 8th century CE in Srivilliputhur, Andal was found as an infant beneath a tulasi plant in the temple garden by the priest Periyalvar. She grew up composing passionate devotional poetry addressed to Lord Vishnu, declaring herself His bride. Her two surviving works -- the Thiruppavai (30 verses sung during the Tamil month of Margazhi) and Nachiyar Tirumozhi (143 verses of intense bridal mysticism) -- are among the most treasured devotional literature in all of Hinduism. The Thiruppavai is recited daily in Vishnu temples across South India to this day, over 1,200 years after she composed it. Andal is unique in Hindu devotion: a woman who refused all earthly marriage, declared herself the bride of God, and is worshipped today as a goddess herself. Her story resonates with millions of Tamil devotees who see in her both the ideal devotee and the embodiment of divine love. Free HD download for phone and desktop.
