Sri Ramanujacharya was always reciting the 30 pasurams or hymns of Tiruppavai. It seems he was in habit of reciting the hymns and enjoying the beauty of the composition and Bhakti emanating out of these. It is said that one day, while he was going round seeking the food as it was ordained in shastras that a Sanyasi has to live by way of charity received, he was enjoying the beauty of hymn starting with ” UNDU…”
In this hymn Sri Andal requests in front of bedchamber of the Lord to get up and come out to know their desire. She requests Nappinnai consort of Krishna to come and open the door with her bangles jingling sweetly so she can have darshan of Lord. Just as he was immersed in the hymn, he had reached the residence of his guru Mahapurna. It so happened that Guru’s daughter Atthuzhayi by name opened the door to present the alms with her bangles jingling while opening the door. Acharya was overwhelmed at the scene in his contemplation unfolding itself in reality and swooned in emotion.
Perplexed the lady brought her father out and Guru could imagine what exactly had transpired and felt how great a person was Ramanuja. This favoritism towards Thiruppavai Of Ramanuja earned him the name Thiruppavai Jiyar. His devotion to Sri Andal was so much that he fulfilled a vow made by her in one of the hymns. In hymn she says that if her wish of union with LORD ranganatha is fulfilled she will offer 100 Thadas of Akkaravadishil ( rice cooked in Milk with Jaggery very much like Sakkarepongal ) to lord at Azhagarmalai. In her place, Sri Ramanuja fulfilled the vow by offering 100 thadas of Akkaravadishil which pleased Sri Andal so much that she exclaimed that Sri Ramanuja is like her Anna or Elder brother to her.
Thiruppavai is chanted during month of Margazhi (Dec 15th to Jan 14th ) during Aradhanam in all houses and temples early in morning at rate of one hymn per day.
At Srivilliputtur, birthplace of Sri Andal, Sri Andal is seen alongside Sri Rangamannar ( Ranganatha ) and she has given equal place to Garuda in gratitude to his sevice of bringing the lord to her quickly.
The temple tower at Srivilliputtur Was tallest gopuram in South India. This gopuram finds the place in Tamil nadu State Government emblem. In 1987, H. H. 44th Jiyar of Ahobila Mutt (Mukkoor Azhagiya Singar ) constructed the unfinished gopuram of Sri Ranganatha Temple at Srirangam, based on the dream he had in which Sri Andal ordained him to build. This is the tallest of all gopurams now pushing Srivilliputtur temple Gopuram to second place.
