My next visit to Srivilliputhur and the temple town of Āṇḍāḷ took place from July 4th through 8th, 2025. I had planned everything well in advance, arranged with Murugaraj Sir and the driver, Siva, secured the hotel in Rajapalayam, and felt fully ready for the journey.
Then came the wait. Siva arrived more than an hour and a half late and was already tired when he reached. The drive stretched out long and heavy. As soon as we hit the highway, I called Murugaraj Sir to let him know I was on the way. That’s when he told me that someone in his extended family had passed away, and he would likely be unavailable for my trip.
He suggested I postpone my visit. I couldn’t. The dates were already fixed in my calendar and I had other work to do after. I asked him to inform the people I hoped to interview that I’d be coming and that I would call them independently. I already had their numbers, though I knew the importance of a local contact. In field research, having someone from the area who vouches for you can open doors, smooth paths, and quietly grant you access.
Without Murugaraj’s presence, I decided to place my trust in the Goddess. Let Her decide what was to unfold.
When I arrived, I learned that many of my contacts were unavailable. Sudarshan Bhatta, the professor, were out of town. Anitha Madam in Rajapalayam, Vijaya Lakshmi Madam and Nagaraj Sir in Srivilliputhur were all out of station. Even the Aryarsāmi was traveling and wouldn’t return for a day or two.
With no clear plan, I turned again to the Goddess. And She led the way.
I checked into my hotel and set up a conversation with Abhirami, a local community member in Rajapalayam. I had met her during a previous trip. She was engaged in the bhakti of Āṇḍāḷ and, although hesitant at first, eventually agreed to meet.
Then came a shift. The next morning, Aryarsāmi called me himself. He had returned and invited me to his home. I got in the car and zoomed over. The interview with him was long, profound, and filled with devotion. His wife joined in, sharing reflections and singing songs composed by Aryarsāmi himself, songs in praise of Āṇḍāḷ. It became clear once again: Āṇḍāḷ’s influence flows through music and the arts, building bridges and bringing people together through her cultural presence.
Later that day, I did small acts of seva (buying palgova for the elders in Serene Shenbagam) and visited Āṇḍāḷ in the temple. I didn’t get to spend much time with the other deities, and still, the trip became full.
Though my original plans didn’t unfold as imagined, the weekend filled itself. On the following day, Murugaraj returned and took me to Ten Tirupati, home to one of the five deities who had come forward as a potential bridegroom suitor for Āṇḍāḷ. The temple priest there welcomed me warmly and spoke in philosophical Tamil about Āṇḍāḷ and her divine diplomacy. I recorded our conversation and will spend time translating his words, slowly, carefully. Reaching the temple involved a climb (at least 100 to 150 stairs) and a gentle descent back into the town below.
We also met the retired headmaster of the local school and his wife. Our conversation was rich with insights. I was pleasantly surprised that both he and Aryarsāmi had copies of Archana Venkatesan’s book on Āṇḍāḷ. We had a good bonding and laughed when I pulled my own copy out of my bag.
Another meaningful meeting took place with the Vice President of the town library. He spoke with emotion about Āṇḍāḷ’s poetry and its resonance in his life. I had visited this library before with Murugaraj Sir, and this time, the Vice President told the librarian to support my work in any way needed. I returned the next day, spent hours reading, in English, and with my driver’s help, in Tamil, and brought back six books on Āṇḍāḷ and Avvaiyār.
The Vice President of Pennington Library, Srivilliputhur
The journey continued in small, meaningful ways. One evening, I visited Abhirami Madam and her family in their home. We sat together in the quiet warmth of her space, sharing stories, reflections, and a large cup of filter coffee.
The next morning, I left, with a full heart. The trip had taken its own shape. The research unfolded just how the Goddess intended.