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Religious, Cultural and Social Aspects of Sri Vaisnavism

Part 4

Dawn of Devotion - Celebartions in Srivilliputhur

In Srivilliputtur, Andal's birthplace, the margazhi celebrations are centred around Andal's Thirupavai, this include's a 8 day neeratu utsava with araiyar sevai and culminating in Andal's marriage.

Araiyar Sevai, is a ritualistic visual enactment of the Alvars devotional expressions. This is quite similar to the othuvar tradition of saivism; except that araiyars utilise hand / facial gestures (abhinaya) with forward and backward step movements. This ritual was first instituted by Tirumangai alvar, but later discontinued due to sanskritisation of Vaisnavism in Taminadu. Later in the 8th century, Nathamuni reinstated this ritual back in the temples.

Today, araiyar sevai is performed by the descendents of Natha muni in only 3 temples i.e Srivilliputtur, Azhwarthirunagari and Sri Rangam.

Araiyar sevai



Araiyar Sevai

http://www.araiyar.com/

Tirumangai Alvar

http://www.ramanuja.org/sv/alvars/ka...irumangai.html