Andal Tulasi Garland -- Holy Basil Jasmine Still Life Devotional Art
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About this image
Tulasi and jasmine -- the two flowers most sacred to Andal -- arranged in a perfect circle on dark velvet, dewdrops still fresh on the leaves, a small parrot figurine nestled among the blooms as though guarding the garland until its mistress returns. This still life devotional image captures the essence of Andal worship without depicting the saint herself -- because in Srivaishnava tradition, the garland IS Andal. The story of Andal and the garland is the foundational legend of her worship. As a young girl, Andal would secretly take the flower garland prepared by her father Periyalvar for the temple deity, wear it herself while admiring her reflection -- playing bride to Lord Vishnu -- and then replace it before her father noticed. When Periyalvar discovered what his daughter had been doing, he was horrified at the apparent desecration and prepared a fresh garland. But that night, Lord Vishnu appeared in his dream and said: "I want only the garland that Andal has worn. Her touch makes it more precious to me." From that day forward, the garland was first offered to Andal and then to the deity -- a practice that continues in Srivilliputhur to this day. Tulasi (holy basil, Ocimum tenuiflorum) is sacred to Vishnu; no Vaishnava puja is complete without it. Jasmine (malligai in Tamil) is the wedding flower of South India, its fragrance inseparable from auspicious occasions. Together they form the garland of divine love. Free HD download for phone and desktop.
