Andal 06. Andal's Marriage Poem by Rajaram Ramachandran

A similar dream the priest had,
That the Lord wanted to wed,
Thus granting Andal's prayer
And the wish of her father.

Surprised the priest was,
But in all earnestness,
Arrangements for the wedding
He at once started making.

In a palanquin Andal sat.
The sound of drums beat,
And the musical instruments
Followed its onward movements.


Thus the procession reached
Srirangam as well programmed,
While people came to witness
The wedding in large numbers.

Right from the palanquin
The bride stepped down,
And at the feet of the Lord,
With all devotion, she stood.

With the exchange of garlands,
The marriage did take place.
While all enjoyed joyfully,
The Lord accepted her happily.

A spark came from Andal
That soon merged in total
Into the Lord's bosom,
Thus Goddess she became.

In Srivilliputtur her temple
Is still there for the people
To worship her as Goddess
And receive her blessings.

As her real achievements,
Andal's songs and plays,
Are still heard in temples
More in Marghazi months.

Even today the same garland
Worn by Andal is offered
To the Lord in the temples
In continuance of this practice.