Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the Srivilliputhur Andal Temple is a significant Divyadesam shrine located about 80 km from Madurai city. The temple is dedicated to God Vishnu, worshipped here as Vatapatrasayi and his consort Lakshmi, revered as Andal. The temple holds immense religious significance as the birthplace of Andal, the adopted daughter of Periazhwar, one of the prominent Alvar saints.
The temple is divided into two main parts: the shrine dedicated to Andal, situated on the southwest side, and the one dedicated to Vatapatrasayi, located on the northern side. According to legend, Andal, an ardent devotee of Vishnu, was so devoted that she eventually merged with the deity, symbolizing her spiritual union with Lord Ranganatha of the Srirangam Ranganathaswamy Temple.
The temple gained prominence under the patronage of the Nayakas, vassals of the Vijayanagara rulers. The Aadipooram festival, celebrated during the Tamil month of Adi (July-August), marks the birthday of Goddess Andal and is one of the temple’s most important festivals.
Architectural Grandeur
The Srivilliputhur Andal Temple is a stunning example of Dravidian architecture, characterized by its towering gopurams, intricately carved pillars, and exquisite sculptures. The temple's architectural features are a testament to the rich heritage and craftsmanship of Tamil Nadu.
One of the temple's most notable features is its impressive gopurams (towered gateways), which adorn the entrances from all four cardinal directions. The eastern gopuram, known as the Rajagopuram, is the tallest, standing at approximately 192 feet. It comprises 11 levels, each adorned with intricate sculptures and carvings that captivate visitors and devotees alike.
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| Andal Temple, Srivilliputhur FindMessages.com |
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| Mural Art, Vatapatrasayi (Vishnu), Sri Andal temple, Srivilliputhur |
The sanctum sanctorum, or garbhagriha, houses the idol of Goddess Andal. The shrine is square in plan and features exquisite stone carvings and sculptures that showcase the skill of the artisans who built it. Above the sanctum rises the vimana, a multi-tiered structure with intricate carvings and sculptures depicting various deities from the Hindu pantheon.
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| Andal temple hall sculptured pillars, Srivilliputhur. mapio.net |
The temple’s long halls and corridors are lined with decorated pillars and life-size sculptures of gods, goddesses, celestial beings, and mythological animals. These sculptures vividly depict episodes from various mythological stories, adding a narrative dimension to the temple’s artistic grandeur.
The temple complex also includes spacious courtyards and a sacred tank, which play crucial roles during important festivals and religious processions. The courtyards provide ample space for the gathering of devotees during these events, further enhancing the temple's communal and spiritual atmosphere.
Unique to the temple are a set of carvings that decorate the ceiling, as well as rare Vijayanagara-era sculptures. These sculptures are similar to those found in other temples like the Soundararajaperumal Temple in Thadikombu, the Krishnapuram Venkatachalapathy Temple, and the Jalakandeswarar Temple in Vellore. The composite columns depicting Virabhadra holding a sword and horn are believed to have been added by the Vijayanagara kings during the early 1500s. Similar columns can be found in various other temples across Tamil Nadu, reflecting the architectural influence of the Vijayanagara period.
Religious Significance
Srivilliputhur is mentioned in ancient texts such as the Brahmakaivatsapuranam and the Varaha Puranam. According to these scriptures, the town is linked to the divine presence of Vishnu during his Varaha Avataram.
The Srivilliputhur Divyadesam is closely associated with two important Vaishnavite saints: Periazhwar and his adopted daughter, Goddess Andal. Andal, the only female Alvar, is credited with composing the Tamil works Thiruppavai and Nachiar Tirumozhi, which are still recited by devotees during the winter festival of Margazhi in Vishnu temples across Tamil Nadu. The town of Srivilliputhur is unique for its tradition of waking up to the recitation of Thiruppavai, creating a spiritual ambiance that resonates with its rich religious heritage.
The temple's vibrant festivals, daily rituals, and deeply rooted spiritual significance make it a vital cultural landmark in Tamil Nadu, attracting devotees from all over India
https://cultureandheritage.org/2024/03/srivilliputhur-andal-temple-in-tamilnadu.html
https://cultureandheritage.org/2024/03/srivilliputhur-andal-temple-in-tamilnadu.html
