Andaal AL001

ANDAL

Andal, also known as Kothai and Nachiyar, is one of the twelve Alvars, the Tamil saints who patronized Vaishnavism during the Bhakti movement. She is the only female Alvar. She is considered an avatar of the earth goddess Bhumi, who is an aspect of Goddess Lakshmi. The Alvars are affiliated with Sri Vaishnavism. According to Hindu mythology, she was raised by Periyalvar in Srivilliputhur, where she grew up as a devoted worshipper of Krishna.