Andal Jayanthi is celebrated in the Tamil month of Aadi, on the day of the Pooram Nakshatra. This day marks the earthly birth of Andal, the only female Alwar saint of the twelve, a fierce poetess and an eternal bride of Lord Vishnu. Now, let’s get real for a second, Andal Jayanthi isn’t just another festivity for Tamil Vaishnavites, especially the folks in Srivilliputhur (yeah, that’s where Andal was born). It is part homecoming, part feminist, and honestly, a big old shoutout to poetry lovers everywhere. So, buckle up, we are now going to decode the legends, rituals, and all the spicy details related to Andal Jayanthi.

The girl who wore god’s garland: The story behind Andal Jayanthi

Andal’s story, straight-up, feels like someone sprinkled a bit of fantasy on real life. The legend goes that Baby Kodhai (that’s Andal’s original name, for those keeping score) was found under a Tulsi plant by saint Periyalwar. She didn’t just grow up religious; she was drowned in devotion. And her thing for Vishnu? Not your run-of-the-mill devotion. We are talking full-blown, unapologetic fangirling. She would sneak into the temple, swipe the garland meant for the deity, try it on for herself, and check herself out in the mirror, whispering promises only the gods could hear. Talk about confidence, right? 

When she was caught, her father was mortified. But he was corrected by Vishnu himself in a dream, declaring he would wear no other garland but the one touched by Andal. It was settled then. Kodhai would become Andal, the bride of the divine. It is said that she later merged with Lord Ranganatha in Srirangam, never quite dying, just transforming into poetry.

Date and timings for Andal Jayanthi 2025

Mark your calendars because this year, Andal Jayanthi lands on July 28, 2025 (yep, that’s a Monday), and the Pooram Nakshatra falls from 4:23 pm on July 27 at 5:35 pm the next day. 

Andal Jayanthi rituals

Here are the key rituals of Andal Jayanthi:

• Abhishekam of Andal with sandalwood, turmeric, milk and rose water.

• Offering fresh garlands (especially ones worn by young girls).

• Reading or listening to Andal’s Thiruppavai and Naachiyar Thirumozhi.

• The symbolic divine marriage of Andal with Lord Vishnu in temples.

• Offering of glass bangles, silk, turmeric, and vermilion to the Goddess.

• Distribution of prasadam and the blessed bangles to devotees, especially women.

• Temples like Srirangam and Srivilliputhur see large processions, music, and spiritual storytelling that echo the age-old Tamil literary tradition.

Benefits of celebrating Andal Jayanthi

• The spiritual and emotional benefits of this day are deeply cherished:

• It is said to bring fertility blessings to couples seeking children.

• Unmarried women pray to Andal for a devoted, spiritual life partner.

• Pregnant women who wear the blessed bangles are believed to gain divine protection for the fetus.

• Chanting Andal’s verses is said to strengthen devotion, clarity, and poetic inspiration.

• Observing the fast or rituals can bring harmony, abundance, and spiritual grace into domestic life.

Why does Andal still matter?

In a world where quiet rebellion often hides under the veil of tradition, Andal stands out as a literary firebrand. She didn’t just write devotional poetry; she redefined devotion itself – from a passive act to a declaration of identity. In many ways, she was the original desi feminist: fiercely devout, radically expressive, and lovingly irreverent.

Aadi Pooram and the Andal connection

Aadi Pooram, also called Andal Jayanthi, is a full-hearted surrender. In Srivilliputhur, the celebrations stretch for ten days, building up to the big moment: Andal’s wedding to Vishnu. Devotees recite her gorgeous Tamil poetry (Verses from Thiruppavai and Naachiyar Thirumozhi are kinda the soundtrack of the season). And then, the women go full Andal mode, donning bright sarees, tucking fresh jasmine in their hair, and wearing enough glass bangles to make a magpie jealous. 

Oh, and here’s a fun twist: the day isn’t just about Andal. Turns out, it’s also tied to Parvati’s Valaikappu, which is this sweet bangle ceremony for expecting moms. In many Tamil homes, pregnant women are adorned with bangles, like a magical shield, calling upon the goddess for some extra protection. So on Aadi Pooram, temples hand out bangles to the goddess first, then pass them around to the crowd. It is all about blessings, bling, and a little bit of divine style.

Ask Agastyaa. Let AstroSure.ai decode Andal’s verses for your karmic blueprint and bless your soul in bangles.