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Which woman saint of Tamil Nadu, the only woman among the twelve Alvars, is often called the 'Mira of the South'?
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Answer: Option B — Andal
Detailed Solution
Andal, the only woman among the twelve Alvars (Tamil devotees of Vishnu), is often called the "Mira of the South", because, like Mirabai, she regarded the Lord (Krishna/Vishnu) as her beloved and husband.
About Andal:
- She lived in the 8th century (according to tradition) at Srivilliputhur, in present-day Tamil Nadu.
- According to tradition, she was found as a baby under a tulasi (basil) plant in a temple garden by the Alvar saint Periyalvar (Vishnuchitta), who brought her up as his daughter.
- She grew up with intense devotion to Vishnu (as Ranganatha), and refused to marry any human being.
According to a popular legend, she used to wear the garlands meant for the deity before they were offered to him, to see if she looked beautiful enough for him; this earned her the name "Chudikodutta Nachiyar" ("the lady who gave the garland she had worn").
Her works:
- "Tiruppavai": 30 verses describing the vow (pavai nonbu) observed by young girls in the month of Margazhi (December-January) to win Krishna's grace; it is recited in temples and homes during this month.
- "Nachiyar Tirumozhi": 143 verses expressing her love and longing for Vishnu.
- Her verses are included in the "Nalayira Divya Prabandham", the collection of the hymns of the Alvars.
Her importance:
She is worshipped as a goddess in Vaishnava temples, especially at Srivilliputhur, whose temple tower appears in the emblem of the Government of Tamil Nadu.
NCERT on women saints:
- NCERT notes that one of the striking features of the Bhakti traditions was the presence of women; for example, the compositions of Andal, a woman Alvar, were widely sung, and continue to be sung to date.
- Andal saw herself as the beloved of Vishnu, and her verses express her love for the deity.
Other women saints:
- Karaikkal Ammaiyar: a woman Nayanar (devotee of Shiva).
- Akka Mahadevi: a Virashaiva saint of Karnataka.
- Avvaiyar: a famous Tamil poetess.
Why not the other options?
- ✗Karaikkal Ammaiyar was a Shaiva saint.
- ✗Akka Mahadevi was from Karnataka.
- ✗Avvaiyar was a poetess.
Quick tip
Remember: Andal = only woman Alvar, "Mira of the South" (Srivilliputhur; Tiruppavai; Nachiyar Tirumozhi; foster-daughter of Periyalvar).
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