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Srivilliputhur Andal Temple
Vishnu (Vatapatrasayi) & Andal · Tamil Nadu
॥ ॐ नमो नारायणाय ॥
Srivilliputhur is the birthplace of Andal, the only woman among the twelve Alvar saints, who sang the Tiruppavai and longed for union with Vishnu as her only lord. The temple honours her and the reclining lord Vatapatrasayi, and its soaring gopuram is so emblematic of the region that it forms the symbol on the emblem of the Government of Tamil Nadu.
The garland-giver Andal
Andal was found as an infant under a tulsi plant by Periyalvar, who raised her in the love of Vishnu. She would wear the flower garlands meant for the lord before offering them, and her foster-father’s alarm turned to wonder when the lord accepted only the garlands she had worn — from which she is called Soodikkodutha Sudarkodi, “she who gave what she had worn.” Her Tiruppavai is sung through the month of Margazhi across the Tamil land.
The reclining lord Vatapatrasayi
The presiding deity is Vishnu as Vatapatrasayi, reclining on the banyan leaf as the infant lord floating on the cosmic waters at the dissolution of the worlds. The temple thus joins the worship of the lord with the devotion of his most ardent bride, who by tradition merged into him at Srirangam.
The emblematic tower
The eleven-tiered Rajagopuram of Srivilliputhur rises around fifty-nine metres, a landmark over the Virudhunagar plains and the model for the temple-tower in the Tamil Nadu state emblem. Adi Pooram, marking Andal’s birth in the month of Aadi, is the temple’s greatest festival, with her wedding to the lord re-enacted in splendour.
How to reach the temple
- By road: Srivilliputhur is about 75 km from Madurai in Virudhunagar district.
- By train: Srivilliputhur has its own railway station.
- By air: Madurai airport is the nearest, about 80 km away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Andal?
Andal was the only woman among the twelve Alvar saints, born at Srivilliputhur and raised by Periyalvar. She composed the Tiruppavai and is revered as the bride who gave herself wholly to Vishnu.
Why is the gopuram famous?
The eleven-tier Rajagopuram of Srivilliputhur, about fifty-nine metres tall, is the model for the temple-tower shown on the emblem of the Government of Tamil Nadu.
Who is Vatapatrasayi?
Vatapatrasayi is Vishnu reclining on a banyan leaf as the infant lord floating on the cosmic ocean — the presiding deity of Srivilliputhur, worshipped with Andal.
What is the Tiruppavai?
The Tiruppavai is Andal’s celebrated set of thirty verses, sung especially through the month of Margazhi (December–January) across Tamil Nadu.
What is the main festival?
Adi Pooram, in the month of Aadi, marks Andal’s birth and is the grandest festival, with her wedding to the lord re-enacted.
How do I reach Srivilliputhur?
It is about 75 km from Madurai in Virudhunagar district, with its own railway station; Madurai airport is about 80 km away.
॥ जय श्रीमन्नारायण ॥ • Bhaktiras.net Temple Guide
| Deity | Vishnu as Vatapatrasayi, with Andal |
| Significance | Divya Desam; birthplace of the saint Andal |
| Tower | Eleven-tier Rajagopuram (~59 m) |
| Emblem | Models the temple-tower on the Tamil Nadu state emblem |
| Saint | Andal, composer of the Tiruppavai |
| Main Festival | Adi Pooram |