Today is Andal Thirunakshatram or the Birth Anniversary of Sri Andal, a celebrated Tamil Saint-Poet, who is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi. Pooram Day of Tamil month of Aadi celebrates the birth of Andal. Pooram is one among the 27 Nakshatras in Hindu Astrology.<br />”&nbsp;<br />”A Report<br />”<br />”<span style="color: #222222;">In Tamil Nadu, Andal is remembered for her pure love and devotion for Sri Ranganatha, Lord Vishnu. Legend has it that Vaishnava saint Periyalwar of Srivilliputtur prayed to Sri Ranganatha for a child. Pleased with him, Goddess Lakshmi appeared as child Andal on a field in which Periyalwar was ploughing. Andal grew up to be a maiden and was in the habit of secretly wearing the Tulsi garland meant for Sri Ranganatha. One day, Periyalwar found this out and scolded her and took a fresh garland. But, the fresh garland fell off from Sri Ranganatha's neck and it continued so in spite of several attempts by Periyalwar. Finally, Lord Vishnu appeared before Periyalwar and said that he will only wear the garland worn by Andal as she is none other than Goddess Lakshmi. Andal, during her lifetime penned several verses singing the praise of Sri Ranganatha, including Thiruppavai and the Nachiyar Thirumozhi.</span><br />