PERIAZHWAR AND ANDAL
(Compiled by Vijaya Kumar)
Periazhwar was born in Srivilliputhur. His original name was "Vishnuchitthar". His parents kept this name as they were very fond of Vishnu and were very strong devotees of Vishnu. Periazhwar was born in the month of Aani in the star of Swathi. Azhwar chose to create a garden so that he could prepare a garland for his lord. He liked his kainkaryam better than learning Vedas and Sastras. He even sold his property to continue his kainkaryam and also constructed a beautiful nandavanam.
During this period, the Pandya king who was ruling, wanted to learn about Vedas and Sastras. So he announced a great gift for those who gave him a light on the Vedas. Lots of scholars attempted but nobody could give what the king wanted.
At this time, Lord Sriman Narayana appeared in the dream of Periazhwar and told him to go to the king's palace and explain about Vedas and get the prize money. Next day morning Periazhwar went tot he palace and gave all explanations the king wanted. The king was overwhelmed with the explanations and took a grand procession in praising Periazhwar. On seeing this Lord Sriman Narayana along with his consort appeared before everybody. Azhwar was happy and sang in praise of him "Pallandu Pallandu". As he sang in praise of Lord by greeting him in presence, he came to be called as Periazhwar. Then he went back to Srivilliputhur and sang lots of songs in praise of lord which is known as "Periazhwar Thirumozhi".
Periazhwar's important kainkaryam to Perumal was making garlands and offering it to Him. One day on Aadi Pooram, when he was plucking the flowers, he saw a child under a Tulasi plant. He took the child to the house and brought her up. He named the child as "Kodhai".
Everyday periazhwar used to collect all the flowers and thread a garland. At that time Periazhwar will tell lot of stories of Krishna to Kodhai. On listening these stories, Kodhai started liking Krishna very much and wanted to marry Him. She would even wear the garlands which his father used to make. One day Periazhwar saw this and was shocked. He threw the garland and told Kodhai that she should not do this. Periazhwar made a new garland and took it to Perumal. But Perumal refused to accept the new garland and insisted the garland which was worn by Kodhai. Then Periazhwar went and got the garland and Perumal accepted it.
When Kodhai was 15 years old, she sang the Thriuppavai and Nachiyar Thirumozhi pasurams in praise of Lord. Due to the extraordinary love shown by Kodhai (also called as Andal) Lord Ranganatha wanted her to come to Srirangam. When she reached Srirangam and had a darshan of Lord Ranganatha, she went close to him with full ecstasy and merged with Him.
