One of Sri
Vishnu's most ardent followers, Andal became a bride of the Lord after her
earthly existence.
Attired as a
heavenly queen on earth, Andal merged with the icon of Sri Ranganath, after
which she was worshipped alongside him as his beloved wife in Alavar tradition.
The lovely
bride of Sri Ranganatha is depicted in this traditionally crafted Swamimalai
bronze with a charming smile, adorned with a Madisar style drape, Andal kondai
hairdo, jeweled ornament, and the floral garland of Vishnu, holding the flower
with parrot, her characteristic attribute.
On the reverse of the
statue, the delicate drape and Siraschakra ornament of the crown are
realistically delineated, giving the statue an all-around finished asthetic.
Embodiment of Divine Love
This exquisite bronze sculpture encapsulates the divine beauty and unwavering devotion of Goddess Andal, a revered figure in South Indian Vaishnavism. Known for her profound love for Lord Vishnu, Andal's life story is a testament to the power of bhakti and the pursuit of union with the divine. Standing at 18 inches in height, this sculpture serves as a tangible representation of her spiritual essence, inviting reverence and inspiring devotion in any space it graces.
Artisanal Craftsmanship
Crafted using traditional bronze casting methods, this sculpture displays a remarkable attention to detail. The rich, warm patina of the bronze enhances the intricacies of Andal's attire, from the ornate jewelry adorning her neck and arms to the meticulously rendered folds of her sari. The sculpture showcases the goddess in a graceful pose, her right hand extended in a gesture of blessing, and her left hand holding a parrot—a symbol often associated with love, devotion, and the transmission of sacred knowledge.A Goddess Born of the Earth
Andal, also known as Kothai, is uniquely celebrated as the only female Alvar among the twelve Alvar saints of South India. Her story is one of divine intervention and unwavering love. She was found as an infant in a tulasi garden by Periyalvar, a devotee of Vishnu, who raised her as his own. From a young age, Andal displayed an extraordinary devotion to Lord Ranganatha, a form of Vishnu enshrined in Srirangam.
As Andal grew, her love for the Lord intensified. She would adorn herself with garlands intended for the deity before they were offered, believing that only by first experiencing the joy of union with them could she truly convey her love to Ranganatha. This act, though seemingly unconventional, revealed the purity and depth of her devotion. Ultimately, Andal’s love culminated in her mystical union with Lord Ranganatha, where she merged with the deity in the sanctum sanctorum of the Srirangam temple.
Sacred Symbolism
Every element of this sculpture holds symbolic significance. The parrot held by Andal is often interpreted as a messenger between the devotee and the divine, carrying prayers and blessings. The elaborate headdress and jewelry signify her divine status, while the lotus pedestal on which she stands represents purity, enlightenment, and spiritual awakening. Displaying this statue is a way to invoke the blessings of Goddess Andal, fostering an atmosphere of love, devotion, and spiritual growth. This bronze figure, measuring 18.0 x 7.2 x 7.0 inches, is an ideal addition to any home, altar, or sacred space.
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