Having self-published my Tiruppavai book of verses recently, I had this longing to visit Srivilliputhur and get Andal’s blessings. Thanks to divine grace, I could visit this place on the 9th of December. I headed there by car from Coimbatore and reached the same by noon. After refreshing a bit, I reached the temple by 4.30 P.M. The magnificent gopuram of Srivilliputhur temple, a majestic 12-tiered tower rising 192 feet high, adorned with intricate carvings caught my attention first. I stood there transfixed for some time, taking in the view and thought to myself that it was no wonder that this iconic tower has been adopted as the official emblem of the Government of Tamil Nadu. I also came to know from a local priest that the name Srivilliputhur originates from two hunters named Villi and Puthan, who are believed to have founded the town.
Tucked away in the Virudhunagar district of Tamil Nadu, Srivilliputhur is an ancient temple town that has a fine blend of architecture, Tamil culture and mythology. Also, the birthplace of Andal, the one and only female saint among the twelve Alwar saints, Srivilliputhur is steeped in cultural opulence and religious significance.
I walked towards the Vatapatrasayee temple housing the reclining deity of Lord Vishnu on the Northeastern side and had a fantastic darshan of this beautiful deity with Goddesses Sridevi and Bhudevi at his feet. Then I proceeded towards the Andal shrine on the South western side where the main deity Rangamannar (Lord Vishnu) is flanked by the beautiful Andal on one side and Garudalwar on the other side. I was also fascinated to see a well within the temple premises where Andal is believed to have enjoyed seeing her reflection with garlands before handing over the same to decorate Lord Vishnu. Just outside the Andal temple, one can see the birthplace/garden where Perialwar is believed to have found Andal beneath a Tulasi plant as a baby. This serene place houses another deity of Andal as a young girl. I had goosebumps as I saw these places which reminded me about the unadulterated bhakthi of Andal to Lord Vishnu which ultimately made her unite with Him in Srirangam, Trichy. I could also see inscriptions of the revered Tiruppavai verses in the temple that further enhanced the temple’s sanctity.
After having a divine darshan at Srivilliputhur Andal temple, one of the 108 divya desams, I headed back home with a contented mind and heart. The verses of Tiruppavai that I had written resonated better and I could sing the same more soulfully after completing this spiritual sojourn.
Sathya Venkatesh
