Significance Of Andal Jayanthi
On July 30, 2024Andal Jayanthi is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Andal, one of the twelve Alwars who got the status of a Goddess after uniting with Lord Vishnu. Some people also call this day Aadi Pooram. Various forms of Shakti are worshiped and rejoiced over the Aadi month in Tamil. On this day, Goddess Lakshmi was born in the family of an ardent devotee of Vishnu and became an Andal after marriage. So, on this day, a major festival called Aadi Jayanthi or Aadi Pooram is celebrated to dedicate this Goddess Lakshmi's incarnation. Aadi Pooram is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm, and this day is also commemorated as the day of Shakti. It is believed that Andal comes to earth to bless her devotees on this day. The devotees worship her with great dedication to lead a prosperous and happy life. The name Aadi Pooram is derived from Aadi, which is the fourth month of the Tamil Calendar, and Pooram is one among the 27 stars (Nakshatras). The devotion to Sri Ranganatha (a form of Lord Vishnu) and Goddess Andal is not limited to Tamil Nadu but the whole of South India.
Time And Date Of Aadi Pooram In 2024
The auspicious day of Aadi Jayanthi this year occurs on August 07, 2024, and many significant timings represent the celestial movements. The day begins with the sunrise at 6:04 AM, and the day draws to a close with sunset at 7:01 pm. The holy Nakshatra of Pooram starts at 5:44 pm, and its influence continues until 8:30 pm on August 07, 2024. This star symbolizes abundance and prosperity, showers its blessings on people, and guides seekers to harmony and fulfillment.
Legend Of Aadi Pooram
There are a few legends of the Andal, and one of them goes like this. Andal, at the age of fifteen, declared that she loved Lord Ranganathar, a Lord Vishnu incarnation. The story goes that Andal’s father dreamt that the Lord told him to get his daughter to Srirangam Temple as a bride. After she arrived at the temple dressed as a bride, she turned into a divine light in the sanctum sanatorium and merged with Vishnu. Since that incident, shrines of the Ranganathar and Andal have been built in Srivilliputtur. The Aadi Pooram is celebrated elaborately at the Goddess Andal temple in this village in Tamil Nadi, which is her birthplace.
There is another popular legend attached to Goddess Andal. It is said that Vishnu Chitha and his wife, a great devotee of Lord Ranganathar, were childless for many years after marriage. On the Aadi Pooram day, while collecting flowers, they found a baby girl and called her Kothai. Every day, Vishnu Chitai had a ritual of tying a tulsi garland for the Lord, and Kothai would wear it before it was mounted on the Lord. One day, Kothai’s father replaced it with a fresh garland, but to his surprise, Vishnu did not accept this. At this moment, the father realized that Kothai was the embodiment of Goddess Lakshmi.
Significance Of Aadi Pooram
The day is considered auspicious and holds significance in the Goddess Lakshmi temples. Shaiva temples observe Andal Jayanthi as the festival of Valaikappu. Goddess Andal is offered glass bangles, which are distributed to the devotees. By wearing these bangles, couples who are childless are said to be blessed with offspring. Pregnant women who wear these bangles are shielded from evil eyes, and unmarried women are blessed with marital bliss.
Rituals Or Celebrations
Aadi Pooram is a festival that is observed for 10 days across all Lord Vishnu temples in Tamil Nadu. The last day of this festival is a grand occasion where the marriage of Sri Ranganathar and Andal is performed and the event is called Thirukalyanam. Devotees start the day by decorating the house early in the morning with Rangoli. An elaborate meal is prepared using Kalkandu rice, which is a favorite of Andal. Goddess Andal is decked with a silk saree, garlands and jewelry. Glass bangles are kept in front of Andal, and her blessings are sought. An elaborate meal is prepared and shared with everyone. Ladies who visit the house are offered these glass bangles.
This vibrant festival is celebrated in all the Vishnu temples, and on the final day, the divine marriage is conducted. Thousands of devotees attend this marriage and revel in the festivities that extend into late night. The rituals conclude with an aarti and Prasadam distribution to all devotees. The devout recite the sacred Lalitha Sahasranamam and the Thiruppavai. This event is especially cherished by women devotees as they prepare for the Goddess's divine benediction.
There are many benefits to celebrating this festival. By worshipping Andal on her birthday with great devotion and joy, you please not only her but even Lord Vishnu. Celebrating this festival creates happiness and joy, and if you are seeking a good partner, Andal may endow you with one.
Time And Date Of Aadi Pooram In 2024
The auspicious day of Aadi Jayanthi this year occurs on August 07, 2024, and many significant timings represent the celestial movements. The day begins with the sunrise at 6:04 AM, and the day draws to a close with sunset at 7:01 pm. The holy Nakshatra of Pooram starts at 5:44 pm, and its influence continues until 8:30 pm on August 07, 2024. This star symbolizes abundance and prosperity, showers its blessings on people, and guides seekers to harmony and fulfillment.
Legend Of Aadi Pooram
There are a few legends of the Andal, and one of them goes like this. Andal, at the age of fifteen, declared that she loved Lord Ranganathar, a Lord Vishnu incarnation. The story goes that Andal’s father dreamt that the Lord told him to get his daughter to Srirangam Temple as a bride. After she arrived at the temple dressed as a bride, she turned into a divine light in the sanctum sanatorium and merged with Vishnu. Since that incident, shrines of the Ranganathar and Andal have been built in Srivilliputtur. The Aadi Pooram is celebrated elaborately at the Goddess Andal temple in this village in Tamil Nadi, which is her birthplace.
There is another popular legend attached to Goddess Andal. It is said that Vishnu Chitha and his wife, a great devotee of Lord Ranganathar, were childless for many years after marriage. On the Aadi Pooram day, while collecting flowers, they found a baby girl and called her Kothai. Every day, Vishnu Chitai had a ritual of tying a tulsi garland for the Lord, and Kothai would wear it before it was mounted on the Lord. One day, Kothai’s father replaced it with a fresh garland, but to his surprise, Vishnu did not accept this. At this moment, the father realized that Kothai was the embodiment of Goddess Lakshmi.
Significance Of Aadi Pooram
The day is considered auspicious and holds significance in the Goddess Lakshmi temples. Shaiva temples observe Andal Jayanthi as the festival of Valaikappu. Goddess Andal is offered glass bangles, which are distributed to the devotees. By wearing these bangles, couples who are childless are said to be blessed with offspring. Pregnant women who wear these bangles are shielded from evil eyes, and unmarried women are blessed with marital bliss.
Rituals Or Celebrations
Aadi Pooram is a festival that is observed for 10 days across all Lord Vishnu temples in Tamil Nadu. The last day of this festival is a grand occasion where the marriage of Sri Ranganathar and Andal is performed and the event is called Thirukalyanam. Devotees start the day by decorating the house early in the morning with Rangoli. An elaborate meal is prepared using Kalkandu rice, which is a favorite of Andal. Goddess Andal is decked with a silk saree, garlands and jewelry. Glass bangles are kept in front of Andal, and her blessings are sought. An elaborate meal is prepared and shared with everyone. Ladies who visit the house are offered these glass bangles.
This vibrant festival is celebrated in all the Vishnu temples, and on the final day, the divine marriage is conducted. Thousands of devotees attend this marriage and revel in the festivities that extend into late night. The rituals conclude with an aarti and Prasadam distribution to all devotees. The devout recite the sacred Lalitha Sahasranamam and the Thiruppavai. This event is especially cherished by women devotees as they prepare for the Goddess's divine benediction.
There are many benefits to celebrating this festival. By worshipping Andal on her birthday with great devotion and joy, you please not only her but even Lord Vishnu. Celebrating this festival creates happiness and joy, and if you are seeking a good partner, Andal may endow you with one.