Andal is the only woman among the Azhwars. Her devotion to Lord Ranganathar gave rise to many pasurams. This bhakthi endeared her to the Lord, who accepted her as his bride.
Sri Andal sang the Thiruppavai containing 30 verses – one verse for each day of Margazhi (December – January) – in praise of Lord Narayana. On the 27th day, while singing “Koodaarai vellum seer Govinda…”, the Lord blessed her with the boon of marriage. Every year, this day is celebrated as Koodaravalli to commemorate this event.
In the second pasuram, “Vaiyathu vaazhvirgal”, Andal details the procedures involved in observing the fast during the month. Sri Andal exhorts us to chant the name of the Lord for the whole day, avoid ghee, milk, have a bath early in the morning (brahmamuhurtham), avoid any adornments like kohl or flowers, avoid all negative emotions and words, do acts of charity, and do one’s duties while singing praises of the Lord.
Sri Andal and her friends complete their fast on the 27th day, and prepare to enjoy themselves for the last three days of the month.
The 27th pasuram, “koodarai vellum” signifies the conclusion of the fast.
koodaarai vellum seer gOvindhaa undhannai(p)
paadi(p) paRai kondu yaam peRum sammaanam
naadu pugazhum parisinaal nanRaaga(ch)
choodagamE thOL vaLaiyE thOdE sevip poovE
paadagamE enRanaiya palagalanum yaam aNivOm
aadai uduppOm adhan pinnE paaR chORu
mooda ney peydhu muzhangai vazhi vaara(k)
koodi irundhu kuLirndhElOr embaavaay
The friends wear good clothes and ornaments and visit the temple, where they continue to sing praises of Lord Narayana. Akkaravadisal soaked in ghee and milk is offered to the Lord and shared amongst them.
Today, devotees go to the temple, offer Ghee filled Akaravadisal to Lord Govinda and end their fast on this day. Many perform Annadanam on this day.This Year Koodaravalli is celebrated on 12th January 2012
