Godhai (also known as Andal) used to tie the flowers she picked in Nandavanam as a garland for the Lord. She first placed them in her hair and checked in the mirror to ensure she was suitable for the Lord. After this, she would remove the flowers and present them for Pooja. Periyalvarum (her father) would then offer this garland to the Lord every day.
One evening, upon seeing the garland in her hair, the Lord expressed a desire to have the garland that had been worn by Godhai herself. He instructed Manudar to place the garland that had been in Gothai's hair on Him. Manudar did not agree to marry Godhai to anyone other than the Lord and awaited the divine union. Godhai continued to think of the Lord and pray, and the Lord appeared to Thiruvaranga to express His love for Godhai, instructing him to meet her.
This temple is venerated as a significant site in Vaishnavism, where devotees pray for the divine union of Godhai and the Lord.
Sthala Puranam :
This sacred site was once a dense forest under the rule of Malli, a queen with two sons, Villi and Kandan. Tragically, Kandan was killed by a tiger in the forest. In a dream, Malli received a divine command from Sriman Narayanan, instructing her to clear the forest and make way for the devotees. Following this vision, the forest was cleared, and the area came to be known as Villiputtoor, also called "Puttur Puduvai."
In the 9th century, during the Kurodhana year, Aani month, on Valarpirai Ekadasi and Sunday, Periyalwar was born in Swathi Nakshatram. Known as "Vishnu Sitthar" for his deep devotion to Vishnu, he created a flower garden called Nandhavanam, where he offered garlands to Lord Vishnu. His devotional hymns, including "Pallandu," earned him the name Periyalwar.
At the same time, in the Nala year, Aadi month, on Valarpirai Chaturdasi, Tuesday, Sri Andal was born in the Nandhavanam and was raised by Periyalwar. Periyalwar used to offer garlands to Lord Rangamannar. One day, he noticed a garland on Andal, which angered him. However, Lord Rangamannar appeared in Periyalwar's dream, instructing him to accept the garlands worn by Andal first and confirming that he would marry her. This led to Andal being called "Soodi Kodutha Sudar Kodi."
Sri Andal's intense devotion led her to desire marriage with Vishnu. In a dream, Lord Ranganathar invited Periyalwar and Andal to Thiruvarangam. Upon arrival, Andal admired Ranganathar's beauty, and Ranganathar accepted Andal, making Periyalwar his father-in-law.
The temple of Sri Andal is situated near the Vadabathre Saayi temple. The entrance features the 20 Pandha Mandapam, leading to the Kalyana Mandapam, and separate shrines for Sri Ramar and Sri Srinivasa Perumal. A significant feature is the Kodi Maram and the Madhavi Mandapam, adorned with beautiful paintings. The Mani Mandapam, Artha Mandapam, and the main shrine are further along.
In the Moolavar Sannadhi, Sri Aranganathar is depicted in Kalyana Kolam, alongside Sri Andal and Garudan. Unlike other Vaishnava temples, Garudan is present with the Thayar here. A statue of Sri Andal is placed in the Nandhavanam where she was born, situated in the northeast of the temple.
Arayar sevai, a traditional form of singing in SriRangam and Thirukurugoor, is also performed here. Periyalwar's shrine is on the temple's north side, facing south. The temple features two floors: the lower sthalam houses Sri Narashimhar, the 12 Alwars, and the Dasavatharam of Vishnu, while the upper sthalam houses the Moolavar Sannadhi, where Vadabadhara Saayi resides.
The Artha Mandapam also includes images of Chakrathalwar, Sri Kannan, and Allal Thavirtha Piraan Utsavars.