Alvar Tamil poet-saints of South India

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Alvar/Sri Andal

The Alvar were Tamil poet-saints of South India who are known for their affiliation to the Vaishnava tradition. Sri Andal is the only women among them and is credited with two major works : Nacciyar Tirumoli and Tiruppavai recited during the month of Margazhi (mid-dec, mid-Jan).

Month of Margazhi

The divine month of Margazhi — part 4

The lesser known Nacciyar Tirumoli is made up of 14 hymns divided into 143 verses. Here, a tearful and anxious Andal addresses her prayers through a fine sand mandala to Manmathan or Kamadeva the god of love, asking him to fulfil her deepest wish: to unite her with Kannan (Krishna).

Month of Margazhi

The divine month of Margazhi — part 3

In 2018, I drew a kolam of Andal as a girl and she remains my favourite image; she walks confident just before she performs the month long pavai nombu (a short-term penance). Thus, I began this 30-day journey with Andal. I would live through her eyes and it was a wholesome spiritual experience.

Month of Margazhi

The divine month of Margazhi — part 2

Today, the living presence of Sri Andal, continues to stimulate the imagination of kolam artists. The ecstatic lines centred on Krishna and his deeds convey with simplicity and depth the passionate quest for enlightenment.

Month of Margazhi

The divine month of Margazhi — part 1

I met a group of women attached to Srinivasa Perumal temple in Mylapore. They belong to the Vaishnava tradition and often gather to create kolam on religious themes. At this time of the year, they have chosen to draw Sri Andal.