Maalyada

“Maalyadaa” by Jeysundhar D unfolds as a literary homage to the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of Tamilakam, where devotion found expression through the Vaishnava Aazhvaars and Shaiva Nayanars. Among these revered figures was Periyaazhvaar, whose daughter, Aandaal or Kodhai, stands out as the sole female Alvar. The title “Maalyadaa,” meaning one who offered a sacred garland, aptly captures the essence of Kodhai’s devotion. Jeysundhar delves into the intricacies of Tiruppaavai, a collection of thirty songs composed by Kodhai during the month of Marghashirsha as part of a sacred vrata. The book not only provides readers with an annotated translation of Tiruppaavai but also offers a nuanced exploration of its background and significance. Keshav’s illustrations contribute to the visual allure of the book, enhancing the reader’s experience and further illuminating the beauty embedded in Kodhai’s verses.