Aadi Pooram celebrates the birth of Andal.
'Aadi' is the fourth month in the Tamil calendar, while 'Pooram' is one of the 27 Hindu Nakshatras.
In the Vaishnava tradition, there are 12 Alwar saints, and Andal is the only woman among them.
The Alvars were medieval Tamil poets who authored hymns in the Vaishnavite tradition.
Andal wrote the Thiruppavai and Nachiyar thirumzhi, a collection of Tamil devotional poems.
Periyalwar, another elder Alwar found a young girl Andal abandoned at the Srivilliputhur Vishnu temple. He bought the girl home and raised her as his own daughter.
Andal has been devoted to Lord Vishnu since early childhood. As she grew up her love for Vishnu deepened. One day she wore the garlands of the temple's deity. Periyalwar questioned her about her actions.
Andal said she'd soon marry Vishnu.
Periyalwar became angry and made a new garland for the Lord. In his dream, Lord Vishnu appeared and said that he would accept only the garlands that Andal had worn.
Periyalwar realized the intensity of Andal's devotion and offered her at the Srirangam temple.
Andal merged with the idol there.
It is also said that Goddess Shakti comes down to Earth on Aadi Pooram to bless her devotees.
Devotees worship their deities to live a happy and wealthy life.
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