Why Govinda.

Srivilliputtur in Tamil Nadu is a hallowed ground since two Vaishnavite azhwars, Periazhwar and Andal, lived there, experienced God and guided devotees on how to attain His feet. The only female Azhwar, Andal in particular, made God more accessible to everyone, from all walks of life, made Govinda a household name that one could reach out to in good times and bad, and reinforced the concept of bhakti as a community goal, said Damal Perundevi.

 Waking up the neighbourhood with her verses in the month of Margazhi, she begins with the concept of observing vrat (fasting), she says, “nei unnom, pal unnom” (forsaking ghee and milk), giving up rich clothes, all in the quest to attain Govinda’s feet. The structured approach fetches result as they all experience Krishna. Towards the end of the month, she sings, “Koodarai vellum seer Govinda.” She references Krishna’s fete in saving the people by holding aloft the Govardhan hill, brining an egoistic Indra to his knees who then showers Krishna with the waters of the holy Ganga, an occurrence celebrated as Govinda Pattabhishekam. The vrat is over and they are ready to partake together, as a community, of sweet Pongal (akkaravadisal), prepared with milk and copious quantities of ghee that runs down a devotee’s elbow while eating, along with Govinda. They who gave up everything in the beginning of the month are now ready to bedeck themselves, but to their joy when they look in the mirror to adorn the head piece, the arm band, the bracelet, the waist belt and anklets, they see only Govinda reflected in the mirror; they experience His presence. Andal says He is capable of defeating those who are not virtuous and equally captivated by the faith reposed in Him by devotees and invites everyone to come together and find lasting happiness in Govinda namam.