A Symbol of Devotion and Eternal Love

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 The Divine Connection Between Andal and the Parrot


When one thinks of parrots (kili), it is natural to be reminded of Sri Andal, the revered poet-saint of Srivilliputhur. Her eternal association with the parrot is not just symbolic but also deeply spiritual, woven into her devotion, poetic expressions, and divine love for Perumal.



The Parrot in Nachiyar Thirumozhi


Sri Andal, in her magnum opus Nachiyar Thirumozhi, speaks fondly of her pet parrot, nurtured with love and care. In the fifth decad, fifth verse, she refers to the parrot as “Paal amudhootti edutha en kolakkili”—the precious parrot lovingly fed with milk and sweet rice. Andal promises the cuckoo, whom she sends as an envoy to convey her love to Perumal, that she will introduce it to her cherished parrot upon fulfilling her divine mission. This shows her deep attachment to the parrot, treating it as a confidante and a beloved companion in her devotional journey.


The Parrot as an Offering to Perumal


In Goda Stuthi, it is beautifully narrated that Andal, in her profound love and surrender to Perumal, makes a vow. She prays that if Perumal, the divine who measured the earth with His one Thiruvadi, accepts her as His consort, she would offer her pet parrot to Him. This promise underscores her selflessness and her willingness to part with even her most treasured possession in the pursuit of divine union.


The parrot, nurtured on the purest sustenance of milk and sweet rice, represents Andal’s purity and devotion. It symbolizes her complete dependence on Perumal, just as the parrot depends on her care.


The Parrot Near Andal's Throat


Why does Andal hold the parrot so close to her throat? 

The Goda Stuthi gives a fascinating explanation. The parrot, enchanted by Andal's divine voice as she recites her paasurams, perceives the sweet sound as that of a female parrot residing within her throat. Such was the divinity and melody of Andal’s voice that even the parrot was captivated by her.


Sukadeva's Presence as a Parrot


The relationship between Andal and the parrot also finds an intriguing connection in Sukadeva, the great sage and narrator of the Srimad Bhagavatam. As the legend goes, Andal once sent Sukadeva in parrot form as a messenger to Perumal to convey her divine love. Upon his return, Sukadeva asked Andal for a boon—to remain with her forever in the form of a parrot. Granting this wish, Andal ensured the parrot's eternal presence by her side.


Andal and the Parrot: A Symbol of Divine Wisdom


Interestingly, the placement of the parrot also carries significance. In divine iconography, Goddess Meenakshi is seen with a parrot, Sukadeva, on her right shoulder, symbolizing the imparting of divine knowledge. Andal, however, holds the parrot on her left side. It is said that the parrot listens to Andal’s devotional outpourings with its right ear, a testimony to her profound spirituality and poetic brilliance.


A Symbol of Devotion and Eternal Love


The exquisite parrot adorning Andal’s shoulder, especially in her temple at Srivilliputhur, is a visual treat. It represents Andal’s unwavering devotion, her poetic genius, and her intimate connection with Perumal. The parrot, nurtured with love and devotion, becomes a symbol of Andal’s own soul, seeking union with the divine.


Thus, Andal’s association with the parrot is not just an artistic or symbolic choice but a deeply spiritual element of her identity. It reflects her love for nature, her compassion, and her singular focus on attaining the grace of Perumal. The parrot remains a reminder of Andal’s eternal legacy—a blend of devotion, poetry, and divine love.



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