Andal’s Devotion – The Divine Love of a Devotee

Andal, much like the gopis of Krishna, was a devout worshipper of Lord Vishnu, filled with boundless love and devotion for him. She was adopted as a child by Periazhvar, a dedicated Vishnu devotee and priest at the temple in Srivilliputtur. Periazhvar raised her with love, and as she grew, so did her adoration for Vishnu.

Andal’s devotion was extraordinary. Every day, she would adorn herself with the garlands prepared for Vishnu before they were offered to him in the temple, imagining herself as the bride of the divine. When Periazhvar discovered this, he was initially distressed, fearing that this act might disrespect the sanctity of the offerings.

However, that night, Vishnu appeared in Periazhvar’s dream, revealing that he would only accept the garlands if Andal wore them first, recognizing her pure and divine love. Periazhvar understood that Andal was no ordinary devotee; her love and devotion for Vishnu were blessed and accepted by the Lord himself.

Eventually, Andal was united with her beloved Vishnu at the Ranganatha temple in Srirangam, where she merged with the divine. Andal is also known as Goda, and her story is celebrated for its profound expression of love and devotion.

**Moral:** True devotion transcends rituals and traditions. Andal’s story reminds us that divine love is pure and unwavering, and that genuine devotion from the heart is always accepted by the divine.