Andal Goda Devi Malas Reaches Tirumala

Andal Sri Goda Devi Malas also known as Andal malas, are traditional garlands made from flowers like Tulasi, Chamanti and Sampangi along with the Parrots made of leaves. 

They will be adorned to the presiding deity of Sri Venkateswara on the day of Garuda Seva. 

ANDAL AND SHIKHAMANI MALAS BY TWO FAMILIES:

The two garlands also known as Andal Mala - Shikamani Mala are kept in big baskets and were offered by two families of flower makers of Srivalliputhur, Tamilnadu which is about 650 kms from Tirupati and were accompanied by around 50 devotees.

Legend says that the malas were first worn by Goda Devi, daughter of the great Sri Vaishnava Saint Sri Periyalwar also known as Vishnuchitta of Sri Rangamannar temple in Srivalliputhur and offered to the presiding deity of Sri Ranganatha. 

Noticing this, when Periyalwar admonished and stopped, the deity had refused to accept the garlands as they were not worn by Goda Devi. This incident speaks to the amount of reverence of Goda Devi towards Her Ista Daiva, none other than Sri Ranganatha.

Andal Sri Goda Devi also happens to be only female poetess among the Twelve Sri Vaishnava Alwars who penned hymns in the praise of Sri Maha Vishnu.

The sacred garlands reached Tirumala Pedda Jeeyar Mutt located adjacent to Sri Bedi Anjaneya Swamy temple. After offering special pujas, the garlands were taken on a procession around the four mada streets before they reached the main temple. 

The Goda Malas were a part of the holy dictum during the Brahmotsavams which will be adorned on the prestigious and most auspicious day of Garuda seva on October 8.

Both the pontiffs of Tirumala, TTD EO Sri J Syamala Rao, Additional EO Sri Ch Venkaiah Chowdary, Temple DyEO Sri Lokanatham, representatives of Srivilliputtur Devasthanam and others were also present.