Complete surrender

The Dwaita philosophy eulogises the merger of the Atma and Paramatma as the ultimate goal of a true devotee. This lofty idea is accepted by most of us albeit theoretically.

Yet it is amazing to note that a young lady who trod the earth just like one of us achieved this end in a unique manner.

Hundreds of years ago an abandoned little baby girl was found by Perialwar in a small hamlet called Sri Valli Puttur in Tamil Nadu. As a child, baby Goda developed a deep affection for Lord Ranganatha, whom her father worshipped.

As she grew up, the young lass took a fancy to marrying lord Ranganatha. Everyday she would wake up at the crack of dawn, bathe in the ice cold river, pluck fresh and fragrant flowers and weave them into garlands for her beloved lord.

The sight of the beautiful garland would awaken the bride in her and she would make it a point to wear it and would admire herself in the reflection of the mirror before sending the token of her love to her lord through her father.

Perialwar was totally unaware of these happenings and worshipfully took the flowers to the temple everyday.

One day he found a strand of hair interwoven in the garland. He was annoyed and reprimanded his daughter. But he was surprised to see the nonchalant reaction of the little girl.

He suspected something was wrong and observed his daughter’s behaviour. He secretly saw her wearing the garland meant for the lord. This enervated him, no end. He demanded an explanation from her and was shocked by her answer.

He dragged Aandal (the one who ruled) to the temple premises and asked her to prove that the lord had indeed accepted her as his bride. Her ardent prayer and true love apparently moved the lord and he gathered her soul by way of marriage.

The devout Perialwar understood the magnitude of the event that took place in full public view.

Choodi Koduttha Nachiyaar in other words the lady who donned (the garland) and gave actually encapsulated the ultimate goal of Dwaitha philosophy through the metaphor of marriage.

 The innocent girl had sincerely loved lord Ranganatha and had complete faith that he would accept her, therefore had no qualms about offering him the garland previously worn by her.

She was not fettered by rites and rituals or worldly legislations unlike her father or other devotees.

Hence it was possible for her to practice Sharanagati (complete surrender) and merge her Atma with the Paramatma.