Andal Jayanti 2025: Date, History, Significance, Rituals, and Celebrations of Aadi Pooram
📅 Date and Timings
- Festival Name: Andal Jayanti / Aadi Pooram
- Date: Monday, July 28, 2025
- Tamil Calendar: 12th day of Aadi Masam
- Nakshatra: Pooram Nakshatram (Purva Phalguni)
Andal Jayanti, also known as Aadi Pooram, is one of the most auspicious festivals in Tamil Nadu and among Tamil-speaking communities across the world. In 2025, it will be celebrated on July 28 (Monday) when the Pooram nakshatra coincides with the Tamil month of Aadi (mid-July to mid-August).
What is Andal Jayanti?
Andal Jayanti marks the birth anniversary of Andal, the only female Alvar saint among the twelve revered Alvar saints of the Vaishnavite tradition in South India. She is considered to be the earthly incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi, who was born to serve and attain union with Lord Vishnu (Ranganatha).
In Tamil Nadu, this sacred occasion is synonymous with Aadi Pooram, a festival that celebrates both Andal’s birth and Goddess Shakti’s divine feminine energy.
Who Was Andal?
- Birthplace: Srivilliputhur, Tamil Nadu
- Father: Periyalvar (also an Alvar saint)
- Era: 8th–9th Century CE
- Spiritual Contributions:
- Tiruppavai: A collection of 30 hymns sung during the Tamil month of Margazhi
- Nachiyar Tirumozhi: 143 verses expressing her longing for Lord Vishnu
Andal was deeply devoted to Lord Ranganatha (a form of Vishnu) from a very young age. Her passionate hymns express both divine love and unwavering bhakti. Legend says that Andal merged with the idol of Lord Ranganatha at the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam.
Significance of Aadi Pooram / Andal Jayanti
1. Divine Feminine Celebration
Aadi Pooram is believed to be the day Andal descended to earth. It is celebrated to honor the birth of divine feminine energy — Shakti in her Lakshmi form.
2. Vaishnavite Devotion
Andal is considered the ideal devotee, and her life is seen as a symbol of devotion, purity, and unconditional surrender to the Lord.
3. Marriage Rituals and Blessings
Unmarried girls pray to Andal on this day for a blissful marriage, as she is believed to bestow ideal life partners and bless those who follow the path of devotion.
Andal Jayanti Celebrations Across Tamil Nadu
1. Srivilliputhur Andal Temple
- The epicenter of Andal Jayanti celebrations
- Processions, temple car (rath yatra), and special abhishekams are performed
- Thousands of devotees gather to seek Andal’s blessings
- Traditional music and bhajans like Tiruppavai are recited
2. Srirangam Ranganatha Swamy Temple
- The divine marriage of Andal and Ranganatha is reenacted
- Priests perform special kalyanam rituals and offer garlands to both deities
- Devotees from across South India participate in the celebrations
3. Other Key Temples
- Kanchipuram, Madurai, and Chennai temples also hold grand poojas and alankaram
- Garland Offering: Garland worn by Andal is offered to Vishnu in various temples, replicating the original tradition from Srivilliputhur
Rituals Observed on Aadi Pooram
| Ritual | Description |
|---|---|
| Early Morning Abhishekam | Andal’s idol is bathed and adorned with silk sarees and fresh flowers |
| Alankaram (Decoration) | The deity is elaborately decorated, often in bridal attire |
| Offering of Sweet Pongal | Devotees prepare and offer traditional dishes like sweet pongal, curd rice, and fruits |
| Recitation of Tiruppavai | Devotees sing Andal’s hymns, especially the Tiruppavai verses |
| Marriage Pooja | Special pooja for women seeking happy and prosperous married lives |
| Processions | Chariot or palanquin processions are taken out with devotional singing |
Andal Jayanti and Women Devotees
Aadi Pooram is particularly significant for women, especially young girls and newly married women, who:
- Pray for a harmonious and prosperous married life
- Observe special fasts
- Wear traditional attire and offer kumkum, turmeric, and bangles to Andal
- Participate in community rituals and bhajan sessions
In Tamil households, girls are often dressed up as Andal (Nachiyar) and are encouraged to recite her hymns and participate in religious activities.
Andal’s Hymns – A Legacy of Bhakti
Tiruppavai
- 30 verses sung during Margazhi month (Dec–Jan)
- Deeply symbolic — Andal imagines herself and her friends as Gopis waking up early to serve Krishna
Nachiyar Tirumozhi
- Andal pours out her longing and divine love for Lord Vishnu
- Reflects both romanticism and spiritual surrender
Her poetry is central to Tamil Bhakti literature, and it continues to be recited in Vishnu temples throughout India and abroad.
Andal Jayanti and Spiritual Lessons
- Devotion Transcends Rituals: Andal’s unwavering love for Lord Vishnu became a path of self-realization.
- Feminine Power: Her life is a celebration of Shakti, Bhakti, and Beauty, balancing strength and compassion.
- Unity in Faith: Andal Jayanti is revered by both Vaishnavite and Shakta followers, bridging traditions.
Regional Names and Observances
| Region | Festival Name | Observances |
|---|---|---|
| Tamil Nadu | Aadi Pooram | Celebrated in temples and households, especially Srivilliputhur |
| Karnataka | Pooram Nakshatra Day | Vishnu temples conduct poojas |
| Kerala | Aadi Puram | Limited observance |
| Sri Lanka & Tamil Diaspora | Andal Jayanti | Celebrated by Tamil Hindus in Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, and the US |
Donations and Social Acts
On Andal Jayanti, many devotees:
- Offer food (Annadanam) to the poor
- Donate clothes and gold ornaments to temples
- Contribute to girl child education and marriage funds
- Perform Vishnu Sahasranama Parayanam
These acts reflect Andal’s message of love, giving, and spiritual unity.
Conclusion
Andal Jayanti 2025, falling on Monday, July 28, is not just a birth anniversary but a celebration of devotion, poetry, womanhood, and divine love. As thousands gather in temples and homes to recite the Tiruppavai and honor her legacy, Andal continues to inspire generations with her unwavering bhakti and poetic brilliance.
Whether you’re in a temple town in Tamil Nadu or part of the Tamil diaspora across the globe, this Aadi Pooram, take a moment to celebrate Andal’s divine journey — a true embodiment of love for the Supreme.
