Andal

Andal (Tamil: ஆண்டாள், romanized: Āṇṭāḷ, lit. 'she who rules'), also known as Kotai/Kodhai and Nachiyar is one of the 12 Alvars, who are Tamil saints who patronised Vaishnavism during the Bhakti movement. She is the only female Alvar. She is considered to be an avatar of the earth goddess Bhumi, who is an aspect of Hindu goddess Lakshmi, the consort of the preserver god Vishnu. The Alvars are affiliated with the Sri Vaishnavism tradition of Vaishnavism. As per Hindu mythology, she was raised by Periyalvar in Srivilliputhur, where she grew up as a devotee of Krishna. Active in the eighth century CE, Andal is credited with the composition of the Tamil works, Tiruppavai and Nachiyar Tirumoli, which are recited by devotees during the month of Margazhi. Andal is a prominent figure for women in South India and has inspired several women's groups such as Goda Mandali.