Category: Alvars

The Tamil word ‘Alvar’ means “one who remains immersed”. Alvars were devotees who were immersed in bhakti for the Supreme, Narayana. The Alvars who have contributed rightly to the Sri Vaishnava scripture, Nalayira Divya Prabhandham, are twelve in number.

Mudhal Alwars - First 3 Alwars

Mudhal Alwars – First 3 Alwars

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Mudhal Alwars

Poigaialwar, Boodatalwar and Peyaiaalwar are collectively called as Mudhal Alwars or the first Alwars. They lived during the same period.

Poigaialwar

Tradition tells us that the first of them, Poigaialwar, was born at Kanchipuram, under the star Sravanam (thiruvonam) in October – November (Aippasi). The period is reported to be the 7th C AD. The Aippasi month is the month of Deepavali. The saint who lit the earliest lamps on Vaishnavism was born during the month when the festival of lamps is celebrated!

The city of Kanchipuram has two sections – Vishnu Kanchi is full of Sri Vishnu temples and Shiva Kanchi has many Sri Shiva temples. Yadhothakaari temple is located in Vishnu Kanchi. Near to the temple is a poigai (meaning a small pond in Tamil). Tradition tells us that Poigaialwar was born in this poigai and hence his name. It is, generally regarded, that the saint was born under the amsha of Panchajanya – the conch that Lord Vishnu bears.

Boodatalwar

The saint was born at Mahabalipuram, near Chennai. In early times this Kshetram was known as Kadal Mallai Kshetram. The saint was born under the star Dhanishta (Avittam) and in October – November (Aippasi).

The period once again was the 7th C AD. Mahabalipuram is named after the great Rakshasa King Maha Bali who ruled this region and eventually surrendered his head to Lord Narayana born in the form of Vamana. It is, generally believed; that the saint was born under the amsha of Kaumodakee – the mace that Lord Vishnu bears.

Peyaiaalwar

The saint was born at Thiru Myilai (it is now called Mylapore), in the city of Chennai. The saint was born under the star of Shatabhishak (Sadayam) and in October – November (Aippasi). The period once again was the 7th C AD. Sri Aadhi Kesava Perumal temple is one of the famous temples found in Mylapore. It has a small pond with beautiful water lilies. Peyaiaalwar was born in one of the Alli flowers in the pond.

He is believed to be born under the amsha of Nandaka, the sword that Lord Vishnu sports. Among the seers born in the south of India the Alwars are highly venerated. Inevitably, several miracles are associated with their lives. As told by Lord Vishnu “I, to whom devotees are dear, am like a slave without any freedom. My heart is in the grip of such devotees”. Whatever the devotee desires or even commands will be attended to!! No wonder that incidents that we commonly consider impossible will occur.

One stormy night the three saints arrived, one after another, to take shelter at a wayside house in the small village of Tirukkovalur. The owner of the house let them in, saying that there is enough room in the dehali – if they do not mind standing. They started exchanging the religious experiences gathered by each of them. Soon they experienced that the dehali was getting more and more cramped.

One of the saints lit a lamp with his yogic powers. They could not see any cause for the feeling. They then inferred that the object cramping them may, perhaps, not be visible to human eyes. They decided that a light that could dispel their ignorance or Ajnana may be needed. That was done. They could then see Lord Vishnu. Spontaneously they started elaborating the glory of the Lord who revealed Himself to them. By their Tamil verses they restated the truths of the Upanishads. The Divya Prabandam was born.

Tirukkovalur, the place where the incident took place and the Divya Prabandam first came into being is held in great veneration even out of the 108 Divya Deshas. The great Vaishnava Acharya Vedanta Desika composed a Shloka titled Dehaleesa Stuti.

The Privilege of Kulasekhara Alwar

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Kulasekhara Alwar

Kulasekhara Alwar wrote in Sanskrit called ‘Mukundamala’, a garland of poems in praise of Lord Krishna. He was also a staunch devotee of Lord Rama and his eleven Pasurams on the Lord of Seven Hills reflect his ‘Saranagati’ to Lord Venkateswara.

His pasurams dedicated to Lord Venkateswara of Tirumala Hills are to be read by everyone to finally seek the grace of Lord Srinivasa. His poems on Vengadam are exceedingly moving and of a very high literary merit.

Tirumala and Tirumala temple

The glorious Tirumala Temple, located on Tirumala Hills, has been an ancient and historically famous temple for centuries. The God Venkateswara is known as the incarnation of Sri Mahavishnu and descended to earth to save His devotees from the evil acts of Kaliyuga and protect Dharma, whenever it is in danger. He is fulfilling the wishes of His devotees. He is being worshipped with prayers and rituals in a systematic method as mentioned in Vedas and Agamas.

Impressed by this, several saint poets and musicians contributed their creative works in Sanskrit, Tamil, and Telugu languages for future generations. We are fortunate enough to have this rich literature with us today as hereditary property with the blessings of Lord Venkateswara.

Tirumala Hills - Tirupati Balaji Temple

12 Alwars

The Tamil saint poets called as Alwars are twelve in number- (Poigai alwar, Pudatt alwar, Peyalwar, Tirumalisai alwar, Madurakavi alwar, Tiruppanalwar, Tondaradipodi alwar, Tirumangai alwar, Kulasekhara alwar, Periyalwar, Nammalwar, Andal). They belong to the Vaishnava cult.

The Nalayira Prabandham, a collection of four thousand hymns, was sung by the famous twelve Vaishnavite alwars of South India in praise of Vishnu and His Avataras. Of the twelve alwars only two Madurakavi and Tondaradipodi have not sung of Tirupati.

The hymns of the remaining ten alwars have reference to Vengadam and its Lord. Kulasekhara alwar is one among them. The alwars dived deep into the ocean of devotion and they immersed in the Lord. Their poetic outpourings laid a mystic experience to the Lord.

Kulasekhara alwar was a king, who ruled the prosperous Chera kingdom of Malai Nadu during the Post Sangam period (around 7th – 9th century A.D.). He was a devotee of Lord Sri Rama, at an early age. He became not only a great king but also an ardent follower of Vaishnavism.

He expressed his desire to be born on Tirumala Hills as a bird or a beast, a fish in the holy tank or a tree, or be a stream or stone, a post or a statue in preference to all earthly riches and kingdoms so that he can stay much closer to the Lord Venkateswara in Tirumala. Lord Vengadavan is venerated as one who could free human beings from all sins.

Kulasekhara Alvar / Kulasekhara Alwar- An Avatar of Kousthubham

Kulasekhara Padi

The Kulasekhar alwar devoutly prayed to be at least a step on the sacred hills.

“Oh!Tirumal who is capable of freeing me from all sins, Universal Lord, Lord of Vengadam! I would like to be feasting at the sight of your coral-like lips even if I could get the form of a stone step in front of your temple at whose doors your devotees, gods and celestial nymphs crowd to worship you”.

In Tirumala temple, the step leading to the Sanctum Sanctorum is called “Kulasekhara Padi” (Kulasekhara’s step).

Kulasekhara Alwar in his “Perumal Tirumozhi” contributed 105 stanzas to the Nalayiram, divided roughly into ten sections, trace in one sense the growth of religious consciousness. In that, he speaks about the interest created in the matter of love towards God.

His devotion did not just stop with following Vaishnavism, but also by showing extreme respect and affection to all Vishnu Bhaktas. He considered them as images of the Lord Himself and treated them with due diligence. All Vishnu Bhaktas, who entered his kingdom were looked upon with great favour and found resource in his palace. However, his growing fondness for the Vishnu Bhaktas did not go well with his ministers. They plotted to ruin the reputation of the devotees in the eyes of their king.

Given this, they stole the Lord’s divine ornaments and blamed the devotees for the same, as they had free access to the Lord’s Sanctum Sanctorum. The king, when apprised of the situation, didn’t accept the accusation and wanted to prove to all that Vishnu Bhaktas would never resort to such tactics. He called for a pot filled with venomous snakes and declared that if the Vishnu Bhaktas had indeed committed the crime, then the snakes would bite him.

Else, he would remain unharmed. In front of all, a pot of snakes was brought and the king put his hand in the pot. Much to the chagrin of his ministers, he wasn’t bitten by snakes. Kulasekhara Alwar considered this as divine providence and felt ecstatic that he was able to prove the innocence of the Vishnu Bhaktas. This incident is just one of many that stand out to prove not only his stead fast devotion to Lord Sri Rama but also his belief in the Vishnu Bhaktas and his reverence of them.

Final Word

Due to his pious devotion, he became the Sixth Alwar and the only royal born to attain such spiritual heights. He is also the only alwar to have the distinction of being called “Kulasekhar Perumal”.

Sri Godambika Sri Vratam Nirattotsavam

Sri Godambika Sri Vratam Nirattotsavam

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Sri Godambika

Godambika or Goda Devi or Andal as popular in Tamil Vaishnava Tradition are the names of the same great person. Godambika was the only female of Vaishnava Dharma among the 12 alwars or azhwars.

She was praised as the human incarnation of Goddess Bhudevi as a baby found in the Tulasi Garden at Sri Villiputtur having not been born from any mother’s womb. Vishnuchitta or Periyalwar while collecting Tulasi leaves for preparing garlands for Lord Vishnu’s worship found this female baby in the Tulasi Garden brought home and started nourishing.

Thus she was brought up as the daughter of Vishnuchitta. Since her childhood, she had been a staunch devotee of Lord Vishnu. She took worshipping Lord Vishnu as the only prime duty of her life. While growing up, she used to adorn her hair with garlands to be offered to God.

Andal Thiruvaadipooram / Goda Devi Dressed up as a child - Godambika or Goda Devi or Andal
Goda Devi Dressed up as a child – Godambika or Goda Devi or Andal

Vishnuchitta who had no knowledge of this used to offer those garlands to the God Vishnu. One day he saw his daughter’s hair on a garland and worried badly. He observed fasting for the mistake done. Then he had a dream in which Sri Ranganatha Swami (an aspect of Lord Vishnu) asked him to offer the garlands to Him every day only after Godambika bedecks them first.

It became a practice in the Temple ever since to offer the garlands in that manner only. Then onwards she was called Amuktamalyada in Sanskrit and Cudikodutta nacchiyar in Tamil. Godambika’s devotion and love for Lord Vishnu were growing stronger and stronger. She had a strong desire to be the spouse of Sri Mahavishnu (Vatapatra Sayi) of Sri Villiputtur.

Hence she decided to perform a one-month length austerity worshipping Lord Vishnu just as the Gopikas performed Katyayani Vrata in the Dvapara Yuga to procure Sri Krishna as their husband. The day she began the austerity, was the first day of Dhanurmasa.

Thus during those 30 days, she wrote 30 Pasurams praising Sri Maha Vishnu. At the end of the 30th day, Sri Ranganatha graced and accepted her hand in marriage. Thus she became the spouse of Sri Ranganatha Swami. The thirty pasurams written by her occupied a very prominent place among the four thousand PASURAMS written by all the 12 Alwars.

Tiruppavai Vratam at Tirumala

Since that day in all the Vaishnava Temples, a festival has been celebrated for Thirty Days in the entire Dhanurmasa by the name TIRUPPAVAI which means “The Austerity of the Divine Goddess”.

As in all the other traditional Vaishnava temples in the Tirumala Temple also this TIRUPPAVAI is grandly celebrated. As a part of these celebrations at Tirumala in the early morning, instead of Suprabhata the recitation of the Tiruppavai Pasurams of Sri Godambika is done in the Sanctum Sanctorum.

On the bosom of Sri Venkateswara Swami just by the side of the small idol of Sridevi a golden parrot is decorated in all the thirty days of Dhanurmasa.

Nirattotsavam at Tirupati - Sri Govinda RajaSwamy Temple

Nirattotsavam at Tirupati – Sri Govinda RajaSwamy Temple

While Dhanurmasa is celebrated on the Tirumala hill in this manner the Nirattotsavam is celebrated as a part of the Dhanurmasa festival at Sri Govindarajaswami Temple (clicking here will take you to Google Maps) at Tirupati.

Nirattotsavam is an annual festival performed for seven days before the annual BHOGI festival.

The NIRATTAM means ABHISHEKA or Sacred bath to the Goddess. The sequence of the daily events in the seven-day festival is performed in the following manner. After the early morning Dhanurmasa Puja at the Govindarajaswami Temple, the idol of Godambika is brought out in a beautifully decorated Palanquin to the banks of the Ramachandra Pushkarini through the holy streets surrounding the Govindaraja Swamy temple.

There on an elevated platform of Niratta Mandapa, Goddess Godambika is seated to be visible to all the devotees and starts the performance of Nirattam (Abhishekam) with sacred waters, cow milk and other panchaamritam reciting various Suktams like Sri Sukta, Bhu Sukta, Nila Sukta etc. After Nirattam or Abhisheka, the priests offer Naivedyam or Sacred Food to the Goddess.

Then Sattumora prayers are recited followed by the Divine Assembly called ‘Asthanam’. This process goes on till the evening. In the evening, Goddess Godambika is well decorated with flower garlands and seated in the Tirucchi vahanam.

A procession starts from the Ramachandra Pushkarini through the holy streets and the Goddess is brought back to the temple of Sri Govindarajaswami while the Vedic scholars chant Vedic hymns and the musicians play on various instruments throughout the procession.

In this manner, this NIRATTOTSAVAM is celebrated for seven days.

Bhogi Teru

On the eighth day i.e., BHOGI which is the previous day to Makara Sankranti the BHOGI TERU festival is performed with festive fervour. As a part of this festival, the well-ornamented idols of Sri Godambika and Sri Krishna Swami are seated in a beautifully decorated Chariot and a procession is led around the sacred streets around the Holy Temple of Sri Govindarajaswami.

Bhogi Teru - Sri Govindarajaswami Temple Tirupati

The Nirattotsavam and Bhogi Teru together is a nine-day festival in all the Vaishnava Divya Desams. But in the Govindarajaswami temple of Tirupati, this is celebrated for eight days of which in the first seven days the Nirattotsavam is celebrated and on the eighth day Bhogi Teru is celebrated.

With the advent of Makara Sankramanam the holy Dhanurmasa comes to an end and the Makaramasa begins.

Chakra Snanam and Procession of Deities

In the morning hours of MAKARA SANKRANTI day, the Sacredbath is performed to Sri Chakrattalwar in Alwar Tank at Kapila Tirtham. In the evening a procession of the deities Sri Godambika and Sri Krishna Swami is led in the holy streets of Sri Govindarajaswami temple.

Goda Devi Kalyanam

The grand celebration of the Divine Kalyanam of Sri Godambika with Sri Krishna Swami is performed on the day of KANUMA, the next day to Makara Sankranti in the Kumbha Harati Mandapam following the scriptural instructions of Agamas.

During that Kalyanam event, the Purana recitation of Sri Goda Kalyanam also goes on as a customary part.

Final Word

Thus the grand series of Godambika Festival with various month-long events is celebrated with great devotion, dedication to the God and Goddess and with an unparallel festive zeal.

Goda Parinayotsavam

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Goda Parinayotsavam

Sri Venkateswara Swamy, the presiding deity of Tirumala is adorned with the garlands brought from Sri Govindaraja swami temple in Tirupati on Kanuma day every year. These garlands are the presentations of Sri Godadevi (Andal) as part of a festival called ‘Sri Goda Parinayotsavam’.

The holy garlands are first brought to Pedda Jeeyar Mutt at Tirumala and later they are brought to Srivari temple with Mangala Vaidyams in a holy procession. Later these garlands were adorned with the main deity.

Sri Goda Devi
The Garlands of Sri Goda Devi Decorating LORD VENKATESWARA AT TIRUMALA

In commemoration of this historical event, there was a tradition of sending silk cloth (Pattu Vastram) and flower garlands from Srivilliputhur to Tirumala in return for which Tirumala temple sent silk saree and prasadams to Srivilliputhur. History accounts say that this practice was in vogue for a few centuries and subsequently set aside for reasons unknown.

But a closer observation of Tirumala Brahmotsavam affirms to us that this said tradition is still in vogue as on the fifth day i.e. on Garuda Seva day, Lord Srinivasa receives the flower garlands along with a beautiful flower parrot as a messenger of Her significant lore from Srivilliputhur.

He decorates Himself with these garlands before mounting Garuda Vahanam. Likewise, the intimate association between Godadevi and Srinivasa is as flourishing and overwhelming as it was during the times of Goda’s physical appearance on this earth.

Garuda Seva

The Goda Parinayotsavam is performed grandeurly every year as part of Sankranti, Kanuma festivals. The garlands adorned to Sri Goda Devi of Sri Govindaraja Swami temple were brought to Tirumala by Archakas with utmost Devotion. Then garlands were brought from Pedda Jeeyar Mutt amidst the chanting of Vedas by Veda pandits and decorated the garlands to the Mulamurti in the Sanctum Sanctorum.

Sri Malyappa Swamy Decorated as Goda Devi

Goda devi is worshipped as the incarnation of Bhudevi, the Consort of Lord Narayana and lauded as the one who propitiated God Ranganatha of Srirangam. Goda has been credited with the authorship of “Tiruppavai.”

The mere recitation of Tiruppavai can bestow the readers with the divine grace of God Ranganatha, so say the devotees who recite the beautiful ‘pasurams ’ during Dhanurmasam.

Madhurakavi Alvar – the incarnation of Vainatheya

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Madhurakavi Alvar

Madhurakavi Alvar (Chitra – Chitrai) Madhurakavi (Sweet poetic), the incarnation of Vainatheya (the divine bird) was born in the year Easwara, Chitrai month, Sukla Paksha, Chaturdasi day (Friday) in the constellation of Chitrai at Tirukkolur in the Pandya Kingdom. He was well-versed in Tamil and Sanskrit, was of excellent conduct and devoted to Lord Sriman Narayana.

Kanninum Siruthambu

Madurakavi Alvar returned from Ayodhya drawn by the bright light at Tirkkurugur and his encounter with Nammalwar is a well-known story. Madhurakavi was so devoted to his Guru Nammalwar that he held him much higher than even Lord Narayana himself. In just 11 hymns, he composed a poem ‘Kanninum Siruthambu’ (the rope with minute knots) that commenced with those words in praise of Nammalwar also in Antaadhi style.

After Nammalwar departed from the world, he installed an Archa Vigraha (idol) of Nammalwar in tirukkurugur and performed festivals in his honour. He used to proclaim the various honorifies of Nammalwar such as “Vedam Tamizh Seitha Maaran’ – ‘Maaran who rendered Vedas in Tamil’, ‘Alavilaa Gnaanathu Aasiriyar’ – the great preceptor of infinite knowledge etc.

The Sangam poets objected to his praising Nammalwar who they said was not affiliated to the Sangam. Madhurakavi placed a birch bark leaf with the first line of Nammalwar’s verse starting with the words “Kannan Kazhalinai” on a boat in which the poets were sailing. The boat capsized throwing out the haughty poets leaving the leaf alone intact.

Each one of the poets who came ashore struggling through the waters composed a dedicatory verse each acknowledging the greatness of Nammalwar. When they published the verse that they had composed independently, they were surprised to find that all of them had written down the same text without any variation.

Festive image of Nammalvar

Verse Meaning

Thus the verse meaning can be read as –

The president of the Sangam acknowledged the superiority of Nammalwar’s works in a poem comparing other poets to flies in the presence of the divine Vulcan, fireflies in the presence of the Sun, dogs before the terrific tiger, wolf before the Man-Lion Narasimha, to ugly clumsy goblins dancing before the beautiful nymph Urvasi – concluding that not all the works of all the other poets put together could ever equal even a single utterance of Nammalwar”.

Another verse meaning can be read as: Of the two verses dedicated to Alvars, Swami Sri Vedanta Desikan has grouped all other Alvars in his first verse and has dedicated the whole of his second verse exclusively to Madhurakavi Alvar in Guruparampara Saaram of his Rahasya Traya Saaram.

The various aspects of Kanninun Siruthaambu have been listed out in this verse. Swami Sri Vedanta Desika remarks that while Lord Krishna was very much there for –

  • (i) Inbattil – conferring bliss on his devotees,
  • (ii) Irainjutalil – to be their refuge
  • (iii) Isaiyum Petril – to be their final goal
  • (iv) Igazhaatha Palluravil – to stand in relation to them as mother, father etc –
  • (v) Iragam Maarril – to change their desires for earthly pleasures into
  • (vi) Thun Patril – a desire for Himself
  • (vii) Vinai Vilakkil – to remove all their sins
  • (viii) Thaga Vokkattil – to show them infinite compassion
  • (ix) Tattuvam Unarthil – to reveal the eternal truths and
  • (x) Thanmai Aakkil – also to bring about in them a likeness of Himself.

While Krishna was ever ready to do all these, the blemishless Madhurakavi chose to seek the feet of Satakopa only who rendered Veda in Tamil and showed us the royal road to Supreme bliss”.

‘Kanninun Siruthambu’ emphasizes that Acharya Bhakti is more important than even Bhakti towards the Lord. Nammalwar knew none other than Bhagavan true to his ‘Unnum Sorum, Parugum Neerum, Thinnum Vetrilayum Ellaam Kannane’ – ‘the food he ate, the water he drank and the pleasures he enjoyed (figuratively referred to as chewing Paan) – all was Kannan for him. For Madhurakavi, Nammalwar was all these (Vide his statement “Thevu Matrariyen”).

His practice of “Acharya Nishta” is non-pareil (except long after we see when Thiruvarangattu Amudhanar wholeheartedly devoted himself to Emperumanar).

Madhurakavi Alvar - the incarnation of Vainatheya

Divya Prabandhams

A question arose as to how this work exclusively devoted to the Alvar could be counted as part of the 4000 Divya Prabandham – the whole of which is claimed to be dedicated to Bhagavan. Manavaala Maamunigal has answered this question thus: The greatness of its contents raises it to be the central gem that sheds lustre on the other gems of the garland. That is why it was counted amid the 4000 Divya Prabandhams.

Pillai Lokacharya explains that ‘Kanninun Siruthambu’ reveals the ideas underlying such verses as ‘Payilum Sudar Oli’, ‘Nedumaarkku Adimai’ etc of Tiruvoimozhi.

It is said that all the other verses of the 4000 Divya Prabhandhams cannot be a match to the 11 Pasurams of Madhurakavi – because it is this work that holds the key to the treasure of the rest and it is this work that helped Sri Nathamuni to unravel the rich treasures to the world.

It is truly said, “If there were no ‘Kanninun Siruthambu’, there would be no 4000 Divya Prabandhams at all”. Thus, Madhurakavi was responsible for literally the rebirth and publicity of the Prabandhams. It is, therefore, customarily incumbent in ‘Anusanthaanam’ to traditionally first recite ‘Kanninun Siruthambu’ before beginning the other Pasurams especially Nammalwar’s Tiruvoimozhi.

4 kinds of poets

There are four kinds of poets viz Aasukavi – Instant poets, Chitrakavi – Artistic poets, Vistaarakavi – Elaborate poets and Madhurakavi – Sweet poets. Of these, Alvar was a specialist in composing sweet sons. Hence, he is called ‘Madhurakavi’.

Since Madhurakavi Alvar helped through his work to retrieve the 4000 Divya Prabandhams from oblivion for the benefit of humanity, its importance cannot be brought out better than what Swami Sri Vedanta Desikan had done as explained above. Thanians on ‘Kanninun Siruthambu’ composed by Sri Nathamunigal –

“Here is one who knew none other than Nammalwar; the one who made it his mission in life to sing the Dramidopanishad of Nammalwar; The one being overwhelmed by Nammalwar held him as his very God; Let such Madhurakavi fill my heart”.

Madhurakavi Alvar said – “I do not know anything other than Nammalwar also known as Maaran who rendered in Tamil the essence of the Vedas and who is the head of Tirukkurugur. This Madhurakavi is our master. He is the guardian of the group of Prapannaas.

Sri Varadharaja Perumal Temple - Kanchipuram (108 Divya Desams)

Divya Desams

Divya Desams consecrated by Madhurakavi Alvar is the ‘Punya Kshetras’ of

  • (1) Ayodhya
  • (2) Mathura
  • (3) Maya
  • (4) Kasi
  • (5) Kanchi
  • (6) Avanti and
  • (7) Dwaraka.

Kulasekhara Alvar – An Avatar of Kousthubham

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Kulasekhara Alvar

Kulasekhara Alvar was born in ThiruvanjikulamChera Kingdom (Kerala). His father was renowned king Dhidaviradhan and Mother Nadhanayagi who was the daughter of Pandya King. He is the Avatar of Gem adorned by Lord Vishnu in his Chest named “Kousthubham”.

He was born in Maasi (between mid-February and mid-March) on Punarvasu Star (Nakshatra).

Kulasekhara Alvar – 7th Among 12 Alvars

He was seventh among the twelve Alvars. He learned all the Astras (Warfare) and Shaastras (Vedas) very young. He married Pandya princess and had a son who was named after his father and a daughter Ilai or Chera Kula Naachiyaar. He was very much attracted towards Lord Ram, hence ruled like “Rama Rajya”.

He was praised as “Kolli Kavalan, KoodalNayagan, Kozhiyaarkone” as he won Chera, Chozha and Pandya Kingdom. He ruled with Justice and people were delighted. But, he was always aligned towards spiritualism.

Devoted to Lord Rama

He was extremely devoted to Lord Ram and he always wanted to visit the Lord of Sri Rangam, Sri Ranganatha Swami. His devotion became extreme when he had a dream of Lord Venkateswara blessing him. From that time onwards, he was not much interested in worldly pleasures. He used to listen to Ramayana daily.

Once, when Ramayana was discoursed, there was an incident where Lord Ram was alone fighting with Demons. At that time, Kulasekhara, who was very involved in listening to Ramayana, ordered his Army to start towards Lord Ram to help him fight against the Demons.

Then, the discourse person immediately reacted and informed to Kulasekhara that Lord Ram had already won the battle and was now safe. Thus, made Kulasekhara back to his normal state. Few people in his court were very much upset about Kulasekhara’s behaviour.

So, they wanted to put the blame on Sri Vaishnavas informing that Lord’s ornaments (Navaratnamala) were stolen by Sri Vaishnavas. Hearing that, Kulasekhara wanted to prove that Sri Vaishnavas would never do such odd jobs and put his hand into the pot which had a very poisonous snake. He challenged the people that, if Sri Vaishnavas had stolen, then the snake would bite him to death.

Chera Kula Naachiyaar

God’s grace, the snake did not bite him as he was so sure to prove that Sri Vaishnavas would not do any such bad deed. He later decided to serve Lord Ranganatha, so he handed over the kingdom to his son and started his spiritual journey. It is also said that Kulasekhara Alvar dedicated his daughter “Chera Kula Naachiyaar” to the Lord of Sri Rangam. We have a shrine dedicated to her.

SerthiServai

During Rama Navami in Sri Rangam, Lord Ranganatha and Chera Kula Naachiyaar give darshan together in Arjuna Mandapam which is also called “SerthiServai”. It was a great day and celestial bath and puja will perform in that Mandapam.

Kulasekhara Alvar - An Avatar of Kousthubham

Kulasekhara Alvar’s work

Kulasekhara Alvar was skilled in Tamil and Sanskrit. He wrote “Mukunda Mala” in praise of Lord Krishna in Sanskrit. He wrote 105 paasurams named as “Perumal Thirumozhi” which is part of “Naalayira Divya Prabhandham”.

His paasuram mentions below Divya Kshetrams –

  • Uraiyur (near Trichy),
  • Sri Rangam,
  • Tirupathi,
  • Thirukannapuram (Near Kumbakonam),
  • Thiruchirakootam (Chidambaram)
  • Thiruvaali Thirunagari (Sirkaazhi ),
  • Thiruvitthuvakodu (Kerala),
  • Ayodhya (U.P),
  • Thirupparkadal (Celestial Abode).

Mukunda Mala

Mukunda Mala is a Sanskrit poem beautifully composed describing Lord Narayana who took the Avatara as Krishna. If one has to save from the clutches of Samsara the sea of sorrow, one has to surrender at the feet of Lord Krishna. He emphasizes that Lord Krishna is like medicine, he is the doctor and he is the nectar (the Amritha) who can save us from this distress.

He informs that always thinking of Lord Narayana, performing puja to Lord Narayana, doing service to Lord Narayana and his devotees, singing his praise will help one to attain Moksha (liberation).

Perumal Thirumozhi

Perumal Thirumozhi Comprises of 105 poems on Lord Ram, Lord Krishna, Lord Ranganatha, Lord Venkateswara. The poems are called as “Perumal Thirumozhi” because, the term Perumal represents Lord Ram. As he was very much devoted to Lord Ram, it was named as Perumal Thirumozhi.

In that, Perumal Thirumozhi, Varieties of devotion were showered by Alvar as Father Dasaratha, Mother Devaki, Mother Kausalya, as a Devotee, as a non-living thing and many more. He was also called as Kulasekhara Perumal as he was very much devoted to Lord Ram who is referred to as “Perumal” in Sri Vaishnava Sampradaya. He was the only King in the line of Alvars.

On Lord Venkateswara

He wanted to be born as herbs or fish or stone or dust or Shenbaga Tree or gold vessel which carries flowers to the Lord and finally as a stepping stone which is in front of Lord Srinivasa. Even today, that step is divine and is called as “Kulasekhara Padi”. He is happy to be a non-living thing if he is with devotees as well as united with the Lord.

As Dasaratha,

he lamented Sri Ram, Sita and Lakshmana on moving to the forest. He cries as though he is Dasaratha who made Lord Ram to suffer in the Dandakaranya forest. He laments how Ram would walk in the forest which is full of stones, rocks, and thorns which would prick his soft tender feet. The poem will depict the extreme grief of Dasaratha.

As Kausalya

on Thirukannapuram Divya Desam – Kulasekhara Alvar sung a very beautiful lullaby to Lord Ram which is even today sung during in all the Vishnu temples. The poem depicts the beauty of Lord Ram, his limbs, hair, style of walking, holy feet, smile and many more. By singing this song, one feels the real lullaby which is soothing to babies even today.

As Mother Devaki

he lamented that she did not get any happiness like Mother Yashodha who was able to get all the happiness in raising up Lord Krishna. She was able to hug him, feed him, dress him up, bathe him, could eat his remaining food as prasadam, could teach him dancing, walking, talking and more.

On Lord Sri Rangam

During his kingly period, he wanted to visit Sri Rangam. He was so passionate that daily, he would decide to leave to Sri Rangam. But, the royal workers will somehow convince him that they will take him the next day. The poem depicts the Alvars’ longing wish to get the Darshan of Lord Ranganatha Swami between the “ThirumanaThoongal (Marriage Pillars)”.

Kulasekhara Alvar claims that by getting the darshan of Lord Ranganatha, one can be saved from the sorrows of life. He also expresses that he wanted to praise more on Lord of Sri Rangam. He felt shy that he is not have enough Bhakti to praise the Lord.

On Thiruchitrakootam

Kulasekhara Alvar finally completes the paasuram by writing the Ramayana in short form and dedicates to Lord of Thiruchitrakootam which is the Govindaraja Perumal Temple inside Chidambaram Nataraja Perumal Temple. Kulasekhara spent his last 30 years in Mannarkoyil near Ambasamudram Tirunelveli by performing service to Lord. He was attracted by the beauty of Veda Narayana and Rajagopalaswami who was resembling Lord of Sri Rangam.

As per Alvar’s advice, whoever or whatever position, one should never forget the Lord, should always worship Lord Narayana and Serve his devotees with utmost devotion which will show the way to Salvation.

Kulasekhara Alwar – An Avatar of Kousthubham
– Smt. T.S. Rajalakshmi

Thiruvaadipooram of Sri GodaDevi

Thiruvaadipooram of Sri GodaDevi

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Thiruvaadipooram (Birthday of GodaDevi)

Thiruvaadipooram of Sri GodaDevi

Goda Devi – Incarnation of Bhumi Devi

Goda Devi, hailed as Sri Andal is an incarnation of Bhumi Devi. She was bought up by Perialwar named Vishnuchittar in the temple town of Sri Villiputtur, Tamil Nadu. She is considered one of the 12 Vaishnava Saints known as Alwars who are devoted to Lord Vishnu.

Click here for the Google Maps Location of Sri Villiputtur, Tamil Nadu

Adding auspicious to Aashada month, she came to earth as a cute baby girl lying near the Tulasi plant. Perialwar was extremely happy to get the girl and brought up with care. She was raised like a Gopika of Vrindavan.

Goda Devi or Andal

Thiruvaadipooram – Auspicious Aadi month Pooram Star

In Tamil, the birthday of Goda Devi is celebrated as “Thiruvaadipooram” means “Auspicious Aadi month Pooram Star”, this little superstar was born to eradicate all our ignorance in our lives.

Thiruvaadipooram is celebrated by walking up early in the morning, cleaning the house, putting nice kolams, decorating that with flowers, and then taking a holy bath.

Clean the puja room and decorate it with flowers. Sri Andal is decorated with a new dress especially green as she is Mother Earth, offering flowers Sandal Paste and Scented water. As Andal has lengthy hair, the hairdressing for Andal is made in a style.

She also carries a parrot in hand, so one can make a parrot out of leaves to decorate her. Then, offer her with bangles and donate to women. Fortunate to get those bangles as they give prosperity, a good family, good progeny, health and blessings.

Andal Thiruppavai & Goda Stuti

“Kalkandu Rice”, sugar candy rice can be prepared to be offered to Goddesses and distributed to devotees. “Andal Thiruppavai”, “Goda Stuti” etc can be recited. Young girls dress up like Andal and perform “Kolaatam” with sticks and dance with garlands in praise of Lord Krishna and Sri Andal. Sri Villiputtur, Sri Rangam and many Vishnu Temples celebrate with pomp and glory.

One Among 12 Alwars

“Thiruppavai” and “Naachiyaar Thirumoli” sung by little Goda Devi were the essence of all the philosophies to attain Lord Krishna. Eleven Alwars were men, but Sri Andal was the only girl Sri Vaishnava Saint who surpassed all of them as her songs reached out even to the common people.

The simple style and positivity of the verses boost our minds with more self-confidence, energy and enthusiasm. That is the reason, “Thirupaavai” is famous and recited by all of them.

It is a known incident, where Goda Devi used to decorate herself as a Gopika and wear the garland that is meant for “Vatapatrasayee Perumaal”. When Vishnuchittar found this, he was very much upset.

Sri MalyappaSwamy Decorated as Goda Devi

But Lord himself told, that he loved the garland that is worn by Sri Goda Devi. She is hailed as “Andal” because she ruled the Lord. She decided not to get married to a human and started observing “Kartyayani Vrata”.

Thiruppavai

“Thiruppavai” has 30 songs that talk about the Vrata, way of living, hails Lord Vishnu and his incarnations, prosperity of the mother earth, how one should always be united and the blessings to be celebrated in groups highlighting the “Bhaagavatha Sangamam” – “Union of Satsang -the wise”.

The second set of Paasurams is “Naachiyaar Thirumoli”, where she talks about the Lord’s beauty, the weapons of the Lord, the Divine Marriage through a dream, Vrindavan’s infant-Little Krishna, the messenger, the Divya Desams etc.

As she is the incarnation of Mother Earth – Bhumi Devi, always wanted the residents of Earth to be happy. She was born to show us how easily one can get the blessings of the Lord. In Varaha Avatara, Bhumi Devi gets a promise from the Lord Varaha that he should always bless the devotees despite their time. Thus, is the affection shown by Bhumi Devi to her children.

Paasuram’s of Andal talks about

The paasuram’s of Andal talks about the Supreme Lord who prevails everywhere. Hence, all are prosperous, and she prays for the well-being of all. The verses say about the good rain which makes the crops grow healthily, ultimately fills the fields with plants where humans are hunger-free, and the animals and birds enjoy nature flooded with food which finally leads to a healthy environment.

The animals serve humanity by giving good milk in terms that give more health. She says, getting up early in the morning is good. Taking a bath early in the morning is good. Doing good things with friends, and teaching friends all good things that each of us knows leads to a healthy society.

She describes the beauty of nature, flowers blooming, flooded rivers, clear waterfalls, honey overflowing, cows milking themselves without a milkman, crops growing tall, churning of buttermilk, and temple bell sound during naivedhyam.

To complete the Vrata, she says, she will dress up nicely, decorated with flowers, adorned with ornaments and will eat jaggery rice filled with ghee flowing from her hand to elbow. She enjoys going with her friends and calves to the forest to graze cows, shares food with her friends, and prays to Lord Krishna to be with her always.

She proudly says that she is the daughter of Vishnuchitta and as per his guidance (as Guru), she overcame this mundane life. Thus, Goda Devi talks only about the positivity that is needed for today’s life to come out of depression.

Final Word

As per Sri Andal’s wishes, let this World be filled with Joy, let this World be filled with prosperity, let this World be filled with Devotion, let this World be filled with Peace and Harmony.

Goda Devi's Marriage

Goda Devi’s Marriage

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On the day of Bhogi which is the last day of Dhanurmasa, the marriage of Goda Devi is celebrated. As soon as the Sun god enters Dhanushrasi, the month of Dhanurmasa commences. The Dhanurmasa remains up to Bhogi. In all temples of Vaishnavaites, the pasurams of the Divine known as TIRUPPAVAI are recited in the early mornings during this Dhanurmasa.

No Suprabhatam during Tiruppavai

In this month, the recitation of Suprabhata is not conducted, instead, Tiruppavai is sung. Godadevi, one of the twelve Alwars Composed this Tiruppavai.

Vishnuchitta

Sri Villiputtur is a village 60 kilometers away from Madurai in Tamilnadu. Therein 725 AD, Bhattanadha was born to the humble parents Mukundacharya and Padmavati, Later Bhattanadha was called “Vishnuchitta”.

Every day, he used to worship God with Tulasi, flower garlands, and offered pujas by composing and reciting Tiruppaland dedicating to Vatapatrasai. As a result, Vishnuchitta was named “Perialwar” which means a great devotee.

Vishnuchitta finding a baby

Once Vishnuchitta discovered a beautiful baby in his grown Tulasi garden felt elated as if goddess Sita was found in the garden. Hence, Vishnuchitta named her “Kodai” in the sense of garland. Over time, she was called “Godadevi”.

Godadevi just like her father nourished and nurtured extreme devotion towards Lord Krishna and at times observed herself in a state of bliss by culminating herself at the feet of Lord Krishna.

Sometimes, she felt ecstatic, when her father made her listen to the divine dispensation, involved herself as a gopika, and loved Lord Krishna as Gopika did in Nandanavana. She also treated him as her husband. She used to garland herself decorated by her father to Lord Krishna.

Story behind Garlands

In addition, she became jubilant by seeing her reflections. Adorning herself with valuable jewels, flowers, and dress, she tried to feel whether she deserved to be beloved of Lord Krishna, questioning herself in her heart of hearts. Noticing this, her father became angry and decided not to garland Lord Krishna which was worn by his daughter.

But one day, Lord Krishna appeared in his dream and told him that she was born virtually as an incarnation of the Goddess of Earth (Bhoodevi), and took birth on the earth to compose hymns in praise of the Lord. Her worn garlands would lend charm and fragrance to Me said Krishna, emotionally moved by this dream Perialwar fondly called her “You are Andal” shedding tears with happiness. Andal means the savior.

Sri MalyappaSwamy Decorated as Goda Devi
Sri MalyappaSwamy Decorated as Goda Devi

Goda devi – Katyani Vratha

Such Godadevi worshipped Lord Krishna to be her husband and performed Katyani Vratha in Dhanurmasa. After some time, Sri Ranganadha, the presiding deity of Srirangam, appeared to Perialwar in a dream and ordained him to see her reach His shrine. At last, Goda Devi married Sri Ranganadha and sublimated herself in the Lord.

Dhanurmasam in Tirumala

That very day is regarded as Bhogi, the last day of Dhanurmasa. As a symbol, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams grandly celebrate Godadevi’s marriage. It is popularly believed those who witnessed this holy marriage would get married soon as well and it strengthens the marital bondage between the couple and women’s chastity would last long.

Dhanurmasa concludes on the day of Bhogi. Goda Kalyanam is celebrated on this day in grandeur. It is performed in the Andal Sannidhi of Sri Govindaraja Swami Temple, Tirupati. On that day the garlands from this Andal Sannidhi are sent to Tirumala temple to adorn them on the Main Deity.

Story of Goda Devi (Andal)

Story of Goda Devi (Andal)

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Born of Goda Devi

Vishnuchitta was born in Sri Villiputtur, in the Sanctum of Vatapatra Sai. He found a baby, in the garden of Tulasi. He named her “Goda” – which means a garland.

Preparing Garlands for Lord

Goda used to prepare the garlands that her father carried to the temple to decorate the Lord. Once she prepared the garlands, she would try them on herself to make sure that they look beautiful and then used to give them to her father for an offering. Unaware of this, Vishnuchitta carried on offering them to the Lord.

One day, he found some hair in the garland. He realized the reason and was worried about the sacrilege committed. But that night the Lord appears in his dream and tells him that he prefers the ones worn by Goda.

Marrying Sri Ranganatha

Vishnuchitta brought her up in an environment of love and devotion towards the Lord. The intensity of her love and dedication towards the Lord grew so much that she decided to marry Sri Ranganatha, a form of Lord Vishnu.

When Andal was nubile, the Alwar began looking for a groom. But Andal insisted that she marries none other than Lord Ranganatha. Vishnuchitta takes Andal to Srirangam.

At the auspicious moment, the Lord marries Andal then she merges with the Lord.

Thus Goda became “Amuktamalyada” Mukta – worn and removed, mala – garland, da – one who gives.

Goda’s Marriage

Goda Kalyanam is performed in all Vishnu temples on Bhogi day with fervor and devotion, especially in the South.

Sri Krishnadevaraya, the famous king of the Vijayanagara empire (16th century) authored “Amuktamalyada”, a prabhanda, based on Goda Devi’s story.

He introduces the legends of Vishnuchitta, Yamunacharya, Khandikhya, and Kesidwaja to establish the philosophy of Vishistadvaita.