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Temple Icon Andal Temple ✓

📍 Srivilliputhur, Tamil Nadu

International Significance

The 71st Divya Desam at Srivilliputhur is the sacred birthplace of Andal and Periyalvar, famous for the magnificent 192-foot Rajagopuram (the emblem of Tamil Nadu) and the divine garland-wearing tradition of Soodikodutha Sudarkodi.

Andal Temple

🕉️ Divine Snapshot

Primary Deity:

Sri Vadabadrasayee & Sri Andal-Rangamannar (Reclining & Standing)

Temple Category:

Shakti / Devi Temple (Explore Cluster)
Temple Timings:

Opens 06:00 AM, closes 09:00 PM
Location:

Srivilliputhur, Tamil Nadu (Explore temples in Madurai)

Full Address:

Andal Temple, Srivilliputhur, Virudhunagar District, Tamil Nadu 626125, India

Spiritual Highlights

Unique Powers:

UNVERIFIED

Miracle Beliefs:

Andal wore the flower garlands intended for the deity to examine her beauty in the well water before sending them to the Lord, who accepted only garlands worn by her (Chudikodutha Sudarkodi).

Devotee Practices:

Offering the famous Srivilliputhur Palkova sweet, viewing Andal's floral parrot (Kili) woven afresh daily from leaves and blossoms.

Spiritual Benefits:

UNVERIFIED

About Andal Temple

Sri Andal Temple in Srivilliputhur, Virudhunagar district, Tamil Nadu, is the 71st Divya Desam. Sung in 2 pasurams by Periyalvar and Andal, this is the holiest ground of feminine mysticism in Hinduism: the sacred Avathara Sthalam of Sri Andal (Goda Devi), the only female saint among the twelve Alvars, and Her divine foster father, Periyalvar (Vishnuchitta).

Periyalvar discovered baby Andal beneath a sacred Tulasi plant in the temple garden. Growing up in deep love for Lord Ranganatha, Andal secretly wore the floral garlands prepared for the Lord to see if She was beautiful enough for Him, before offering them to the deity. When Periyalvar discovered a hair in the garland and rebuked Her, the Lord appeared in a dream, declaring that He would only accept garlands once worn by Andal (Soodikodutha Sudarkodi). Andal composed the immortal Thiruppavai (30 verses) and Nachiyar Thirumozhi (143 verses), ultimately merging physically into Lord Ranganatha in Srirangam.

The temple has two grand complexes: the ancient Vadabadrasayee shrine where Vishnu reclines on a banyan leaf, and the exquisite Nachiyar shrine where Andal stands wedded to Sri Rangamannar. The monumental 11-tiered, 192-foot-tall Rajagopuram was chosen as the official State Emblem of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

Architecture & Heritage

Architectural Style:

Dravidian Architecture featuring the Iconic Rajagopuram (Early Pandya antiquity (8th century CE); renovated and expanded by Nayak rulers of Madurai)

Architecture Highlights:

192-foot 11-tier Rajagopuram, Vimalakruthi Vimanam, Andal's birth garden (Thulasivanam), Kannadi Mandapam, Thirumukku Theertham.

Sacred Objects:

Handcrafted floral green parrot (Kili) recreated daily from pomegranate buds and leaves, Andal's bridal crown.

Festivals & Celebrations

Major Festivals:
Andal Jayanti Thiruppavai Recitation Festival Marriage Blessing Celebrations Nachiyar Tirumozhi Festival Divine Marriage Events
Special Events:

Devotional poetry recitation events, marriage blessing ceremonies, divine feminine celebrations, bhakti spiritual programs

Seasonal Celebrations:

Winter Thiruppavai season, summer marriage blessing festivals, monsoon devotional programs, year-round bhakti activities

Rituals & Traditions

Daily Rituals:

Six daily kalas per Vaikanasa Agama; daily recitation of Thiruppavai verses at dawn.

Special Traditions:

Aadi Pooram chariot festival celebrating Andal's birthday, and sending Andal's worn garland (Choodikodutha Malai) to Tirumala for the Garuda Sevai.

Prasada Available:

GI-tagged Srivilliputhur Palkova (caramelized milk sweet), Puliyodarai, Akkaravadisal.

Visitor Guidelines

Dress Code:

Traditional dress code strictly enforced: Dhoti/Kurta for men; Saree or Salwar with Dupatta for women.

Accessibility:

Wide granite stone courtyards with smooth ramps across all entrances; wheelchair assistance available.

Nearby Temples (12)

Within about 200 km driving distance from Andal Temple. Plan a yatra and cover as many of these as you can.

Frequently Asked Questions

Temple Location

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How to Reach

Nearest Airport:

Madurai Airport (75 km)

Nearest Railway:

Srivilliputhur Railway Station (2 km)

Nearest Bus Stop:

Srivilliputhur Bus Stand (1 km)

Travel Tips:

By Road: Connected from Madurai and Virudhunagar. Divine feminine temple with marriage blessing significance.

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