Thiru Aadi Pooram Festival

Thiru Aadi Pooram Festival: A Celebration of Devotion and Blessings

Thiru Adi Pooram - Significance and practices 

Thiru Aadi Pooram, also known as Aadi Pooram or Andal Jayanthi, is a significant festival celebrated with immense fervor among the Tamil community, especially in Tamil Nadu. This festival commemorates the birth of Goddess Andal, an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi and one of the twelve Alvar saints of South India. Aadi Pooram also honors Goddess Shakti, believed to descend to Earth on this auspicious day to bless her devotees.

Rituals and Celebrations of Aadi Pooram

Aadi Pooram is a ten-day festival observed with grand celebrations, particularly on the final day, which marks the main event of Aadi Pooram. The festival is renowned for its vibrant rituals and community participation.

Preparations

Women of the household rise early to prepare for the festivities. They decorate their homes with kolams (rangoli) and make an elaborate meal for offering to Goddess Andal. Special prasadams like kalkandu rice and the delicious Akkaravadisal, a sweet dish similar to sakkarai pongal, are prepared.

Temple Celebrations

Temples, especially those dedicated to Goddess Andal, are adorned with flowers, lights, and decorations. Goddess Andal is dressed in a silk saree, glittering jewelry, and garlands. Devotees gather to participate in the grand marriage ceremony, known as ‘Thirukalyanam,’ reenacting Andal's marriage to Lord Ranganatha. This event is a major attraction, drawing thousands of devotees.

Adi Pooram festival in Srivilliputtur, Srirangam and Tirupati temples

The Thiru Adi Pooram festival is celebrated with great fervour and devotion at both the Srivilliputtur Andal Temple,  the Ranganatha Temple in Srirangam,and Balaji Temple, Tirupati, marking the birth anniversary of Andal, a revered saint and poetess in the Vaishnavite tradition.

Srivilliputtur Andal Temple:

1. Special Pujas and Abhishekams:  The festival involves elaborate rituals and special pujas. The main deity, Andal, is adorned with beautiful silk garments and jewellery.
2. Processions:  Andal is taken out in grand processions around the temple premises. The deity is carried on various vahanas (vehicle mounts), with the temple chariot procession being a highlight.
3. Recitation of Tiruppavai: Devotees recite the Tiruppavai, a collection of 30 hymns composed by Andal, praising Lord Vishnu and expressing her devotion.
4. Cultural Programs:  Various cultural events, including music and dance performances, are organized. These programs often depict the life and teachings of Andal.
5. Feast and Prasadam:  A grand feast is prepared and offered to the deity. Devotees are served prasadam, which is considered highly auspicious.

 Ranganatha Temple, Srirangam:

1. Rituals and Ceremonies: Special rituals and abhishekams are performed for the deities, with Andal being the focal point of the celebrations.
2. Vishesha Alankarams: Andal is adorned with special decorations, reflecting her divine beauty and devotion to Lord Ranganatha.
3. Processions: Similar to Srivilliputhur, grand processions are carried out, with the deity being taken around the temple complex in beautifully decorated palanquins.
4. Thiruppavai Recitation: Devotees recite the Tiruppavai and other hymns written by Andal, celebrating her devotion and poetic contributions.
5. Cultural Events:  The temple organises various cultural events, including classical music and dance performances, storytelling sessions, and discourses on the life and works of Andal.
6. Prasadam Distribution:  A special feast is prepared and offered to the deities. The prasadam is then distributed among the devotees.

In both temples, the festival is marked by a deep sense of devotion, cultural richness, and community participation, reflecting Andal's enduring legacy and spiritual significance.

Balaji Temple, Tirumala

There is a special sannidhi for Andal in the Govindaraja Swamy Temple in Tirupati. Thiru Adi Pooram festival is celebrated here in great style.

1. Special Pujas and Abhishekams: The day begins with special pujas and abhishekams to Lord Venkateswara (Balaji) and Lord Govindaraja Swamy.. These rituals are performed with great devotion and attention to detail.
2. Decoration of the Deities : The deities, especially Andal's idol, are adorned with special garments, jewellery, and flowers. The temple is also decorated with vibrant floral arrangements.
3. Recitation of Tiruppavai:  Devotees and priests recite the Tiruppavai, the set of hymns composed by Andal, to honor her devotion and literary contributions.
4. Processions:  Andal's idol is taken out in a grand procession within the temple complex. The deity is carried on beautifully decorated palanquins, accompanied by traditional music and chanting.
5. Cultural Programs:  The temple organises cultural programs, including classical music and dance performances. These events celebrate Andal's life and her devotion to Lord Vishnu.
6. Prasadam Distribution:  A special feast is prepared as an offering to the deities. After the rituals, prasadam is distributed to the devotees. This is considered highly auspicious and is eagerly partaken by the pilgrims.
7. Community Participation:  The festival sees a large number of devotees participating in the celebrations. The sense of community and collective devotion is a significant aspect of the festival.

Although the primary focus of Tirumala is Lord Venkateswara, the Aadi Pooram festival provides an opportunity to honour Andal and her contributions to the Vaishnavite tradition, blending seamlessly with the temple's daily rituals and festive atmosphere.

Special Rituals: 

The day is marked by various rituals, including reading of the ‘Thiruppavai’ and ‘Lalitha Sahasranamam.’ Traditional music and special processions with deities carried in palanquins add to the festive spirit. In Saiva temples, the day is observed as ‘Valaikappu,’ where glass bangles are offered to Goddess and distributed among devotees. Wearing these bangles is believed to bless couples with offspring and protect pregnant women and their unborn children from evil forces.

Significance in Agriculture and Ancestral Remembrance

Aadi marks the start of the agricultural season and is a time for remembering ancestors and seeking divine blessings for prosperity and procreation. Devotees believe that worshipping during this month, especially on Aadi Pooram, brings material, familial, and spiritual progression.

The Connection with Goddess Shakti

Aadi Pooram is also closely associated with Goddess Shakti. The day of Aadi Pooram is considered a time when Goddess Shakti descends to bless her devotees. This belief is reflected in the Valaikappu ceremony, a symbolic baby shower for Goddess Parvati, celebrated with the offering of bangles. This ritual emphasises the nurturing and protective aspect of the goddess.

Conclusion

Thiru Aadi Pooram is a celebration of divine love, devotion, and blessings. It honors the life and contributions of Andal, whose unwavering devotion to Lord Vishnu continues to inspire devotees. The festival, marked by vibrant rituals and community participation, underscores the spiritual and cultural significance of Andal's legacy and the divine blessings of Goddess Shakti. Celebrating Aadi Pooram not only brings joy and prosperity but also reinforces the deep spiritual connections within the Tamil community.

The Month of Margazhi, Tiruppavai, and Andal

ANDAL THIRUVADIGALE SHARANAM

In resuming my blogging journey after a hiatus, I am filled with joy to engage in this activity once again. This entry, dedicated to Tiruppavai, holds particular significance as it reflects an aspect cherished by my late wife, Shakuntala, who held a deep reverence for Godhadevi Sangam. While I do not profess scholarly expertise, I share my insights as an individual deeply drawn to this topic, aiming to honour her memory and delve into its profound meaning.

SrivisnucittaKulanandanaKalpavallim

SrirangarajaHaricandanaYogadrsyam

SaksatksamamKarunayaKamalamivanyam

GodamananyasaranahSarnamPrapadye

அஞ்சு குடிக்கு ஒரு சந்ததியாய் ஆழ்வார்கள

தம் செயலை விஞ்சி நிற்கும் தன்மையளாய் பிஞ்சாய்ப்

பழுத்தாளை ஆண்டாளைப் பத்தியுடன் நாளும்

வழுத்தாய் மனமே மகிழ்ந்து 

Margazhi holds a special place in the cultural and religious calendar of South India, particularly renowned for its early prayers, temple visits, and the delectable Pongal enjoyed during the serene mornings. However, Margazhi encompasses more than these rituals. Through interactions with numerous temple visitors, it became apparent that many harbored questions about its significance, Andal, and the Tiruppavai. Here, I aim to address some of the common queries:

Significance of Margazhi:

Margazhi, a prominent month in the Tamil calendar, is steeped in cultural and religious significance. It is celebrated in reverence to Andal, bearing a deep connection to the Vaishnavite tradition. Referred to as Marghashiram in the Puranas, it is hailed as the auspicious time depicted even in ancient scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita.

Puranas mention Margazhi as Marghashiram, the shreya among the maasams.It is referred to as  ‘Maasonam Mardhashirshoham”. A Bhagwad Geeta slokam,Chapter 10,Verse 35, by Krishna says this about  Marghashiram or Margazhi.

बृहत्साम तथा साम्नां गायत्री छन्दसामहम् |
मासानां मार्गशीर्षोऽहमृतूनां कुसुमाकर: || 35||

bṛihat-sāma tathā sāmnāṁ gāyatrī chhandasām aham
māsānāṁ mārga-śhīrṣho ’ham ṛitūnāṁ kusumākaraḥ

Amongst the hymns in the Samaveda know me to be the Brihatsama; amongst poetic meters I am the Gayatri. Of the twelve months of the Hindu calendar I am Margsheersh, and of seasons I am spring, which brings forth flowers.

Who is Andal and the Tiruppavai's Origin:

Andal, also known as Kodhai, emerged as a manifestation of Bhudevi, the consort of Lord Vishnu. Found as an infant in tulsi groves by the revered saint Periyazhvar, she was raised with love and devotion. Andal authored the Tiruppavai, a compilation of 30 hymns extolling Lord Vishnu, embodying profound devotion and spiritual yearning.

Purpose behind Tiruppavai's Composition:

Andal's inspiration to compose the Tiruppavai stemmed from her desire to instill devotion and guide individuals towards peace, prosperity, and the path to spiritual liberation. Her upbringing, immersed in tales of Krishna's valor and his divine presence in Vrindavan, fueled her intense devotion, mirrored in her compositions.

Themes of Tiruppavai:

Vedam Piran Bhattar, a 12th century poet, in his taniyan on Tiruppavai, says:

பாதகங்கள் தீர்க்கும் பரமன் அடிகாட்டும்

     வேதம் அனைத்துக்கும் வித்தாகும்

pAdangal tIrkkum

paramam aDi kattum

vEdam anaittukum vittagum

Or in other words, Vedam anaittukum tiruppavai 30

Meaning of vEdam anaittukum vittagum :

Tiruppavai is the seed of the Vedas. The entire essence of the Vedas is  in the Thiruppavai.

The Tiruppavai epitomizes Andal's unwavering devotion to Lord Krishna. It emphasizes the essence of surrender, seeking blessings, adherence to religious practices, and fostering inclusivity within the community, echoing the core values of Vaishnavism.

Pre-Dawn Observances:

The predawn hours of Margazhi hold immense significance, as Brahma Muhurtam symbolizes an auspicious time for religious endeavors. Andal initiated her spiritual practices during this time, aligning with the sacredness of the period.

We have seen earlier that Margazhi was the best month for Andal to start her Vratam. Let us now see why the early hours of the month of Margazhi was important.

Brahma Muhurtam is the pre dawn early morning time. It is considered a very auspicious and ideal time to start any religious or spiritual activity.

According to the Vedic calendar, 6 months on Earth (January-June) equals one Deva Lok day. So the last six months (July-December) on the earth equal one Deva Lok night. Hence, the predawn period, the Brahma-muhurtam, for the Devalok is  the month of Dhanur, also called Margazhi (December mid to mid January).

Andal therefore started her Vratam in the  early hours (Brahma-muhurtam) of Margazhi. 

Focus on Krishna and Andal's Influence:

Andal's profound devotion to Krishna was nurtured by her father, Periyalvar, a devout follower of Lord Vishnu. Immersed in the Vaishnavite tradition, Andal's compositions echo her longing to unite with Krishna, influenced by her father's spiritual teachings and the broader cultural milieu.

Why is she referred to as Chudikudutthu Sudarkodi?

Vishnuchittar or Periazhwar had a big garden from where he would get the flowers and Tulsi, make a garland, and place it around Lord Vatabadrasayee. One day, he made the garland and left it in his place, intending to place it around the Lord later.

Andal saw the garland and is believed to have worn  it before dedicating it to Lord Vatabadrasayee,  the presiding deity of the temple. Periyazhvar, who later found it, was highly upset and scolded her. He made a fresh garland and took it to the temple. However, Vatabadrasayee did not accept this new garland. He appeared in his dream and asked him to dedicate only the garland worn by Andal to him. The girl Kothai was thus named Andal and was referred to as "Chudikodutha Sudarkodi" (சூடிகொடுத்த சுடர்க்கொடி), meaning the nachiar who wore and gave her garland to Vishnu. 

Message and Structure of Tiruppavai:

The Tiruppavai comprises 30 verses, encapsulating the fundamental tenets of Srivaishnavism. Its structure delineates the significance of pre-dawn rituals, communal worship, and the divine communion sought by Andal and her companions.

The pasurams can basically be seen in 4 parts.

1. In the first part of 5 verses, she invites her sakhis for the Pavai Nombu, telling them why the month of Margazhi, and the time of pre dawn, was auspicious.She then tells what their duties would ,what they should do, and what they should give up.

2. The second part of 10 verses is devoted to  collecting her sakhis from their houses, including waking them up if they are asleep. It tells them of the beauties of the early dawn,  the birds,and their music, the flowers with bees sleeping in them, of cows ready to be milked.

3. The 3rd part of 13 pasurams starts with the 16th pasuram where Andal and her sakhis reach the temple of Nandagopan and finding it closed, entreats the guard of the temple to open the door so that they could meet Krishna who had promised to gift them the Parai, a sort of drum.

4. 17th to 27th Pasurams are about Krishna and his beauty. and what the Gopis want from Krishna.

In the 2nd Pasuram, Andal had asked all her sakhis to take a vow(Vratam) and eschew all worldly pleasures, not to take milk and ghee,not wear ornaments,Kajol,etc in their objective of being with Krishna.In the 27th Pasuram, after being reunited with Krishna, they now ask him for ornaments, parai, etc.

The 29th Pasuram, along with the 30th are called Saranagati  Pasurams.This is the Pasuram, where the name ‘Govinda’ is invoked for the 3rd time. Andal’s name Godha is formed from GO vin DA.The 3rd invocation completes the prayer of Govinda.Govinda.Govinda. Here, Andal, still as a gopi, prays to Govinda that what they want is not the worldly things like the Parai but to be with him for seven generations.

The 30th Pasuram is the day when Andal reverts to her place as Bhudevi, a consort of the Lord .It is the end of the Brahma Muhurtam, end of the Pavai, the beginning of Uttarayana. Here, Andal, now as Bhudevi,and a consort of Krishna,talks to the Sakhis about the Vratama(PavaiNombu), the Bhakti and the recitation of her thirty pasurams, without break,and says that whosoever recites these pasurams will get the grace and blessings of the Lord.

Tiruppavai in Srivaishnava rituals:

Periazhwar’s Thirupallandu has been equated with the Pranav “AUM”. since, firstly,  recital of Divya Prabhandam starts with Thirupallandu, similar to Pranavam being the start of a Vedham recital, and secondly,it contains the essence of Srivaishnavism ethic

Andal’s Tiruppavai has the three basics of Tirumantra 

1. Dwayam: Pasuram 1

naaraayaNanE namakkE paRai tharuvaan,

(நாராயணேன நமக்ேக பைற தருவான்)

Only Sriman Narayana can give us shelter and the opportunity to serve him

2. Ashtakra: Pasuram 2

paiyath thuyinRa paramanadi paadi,

பையத் துயின்ற பரமனடி பாடி)

We sing praises at the lotus feet of of the almighty who is resting and thinking in the milky ocean,

3. Saranagati: Pasuram 3

Ongi ulagaLandha uththaman pEr paadi, 

 ஓங்கி உலகளந்த உத்தமன் பேர்பாடி 

ANDAL's addressed Thrivikraman as  

“Ongi Ulahu-aLantha Utthaman pEr Paadi  

and she invited Her friends to sing about his glory as an important part of their PaavaI Nonbhu to attain the desired fruits.

Hence in every Srivaishnava Aradhaney, be at at home or in the temple, the end (Sattrumurai) is with Tiruppavai (in full or at least with the last two pasurams) followed by Tirupallandu.

Conclusion:

Andal's legacy transcends time, epitomizing devotion and spiritual fervor. Through her compositions, particularly the Tiruppavai, she beckons devotees to embark on a journey of divine contemplation and surrender. As we reflect on the profound teachings embedded within the Tiruppavai, we find solace and inspiration in Andal's timeless devotion to Lord Krishna.

ANDAL THIRUVADIGALE SHARANAM