Andal Devi (Godadevi)
Koodaravalli is an auspicious day observed on the 27th day of Margazhi Month. In 2026, Koodaravalli date is January 11. It is observed as a part of Pavai Nombu (Margazhi Nombu).
In her 27th Pashuram of Thiruppavai, Sri Andal mentioned as ‘Koodarai Vellum Seer Govinda’ which means she shared sweets to mark the end of Pavai Nombu.
In 2018, Koodaravalli was of great significance as it has fallen on Arudra Darshan (January 2018).
Meaning and origin
The name comes from the 27th verse of Tiruppavai, which begins “Koodarai vellum seer Govinda,” where Andal celebrates the Lord who overcomes all opponents (koodar) and grants overflowing grace. Tradition holds that Andal completed 26 days of strict pāvai nōnbu and, on this 27th day, rejoices in union with Sri Ranganatha, anticipating her divine marriage.
Andal, Ramanuja and the vow
Andal had vowed in Nachiyar Tirumozhi to offer one hundred measures of butter and sweet rice (akkaravadisal) to the Lord, which became associated with this festival. Sri Ramanuja is remembered for formally instituting Koodaravalli as a day to fulfill Andal’s pending offering and to highlight bhakti expressed as collective rejoicing and sharing of prasada.
Date and observance
Koodaravalli is celebrated annually on Margazhi 27, falling close to the Pongal/harvest period when fresh rice and sugarcane are abundant. In many temples and Sri Vaishnava homes, devotees complete the 27th Tiruppavai pāsuram that day, perform special ārādhanā to Andal and Vishnu, and treat it as the joyful phase of the pāvai nōnbu after the earlier days of vrata.
Rituals and naivedyam
A key feature of the day is preparing akkaravadisal (akkaravadisal/akkara-adisil), a rich sweet pongal made with rice, milk, jaggery, and plenty of ghee, offered to the Lord as Andal’s special naivedya. The verse itself describes taking milk-rice with so much ghee that it flows down the elbows, and this imagery informs the lavish, “overflowing” style of the prasada offering.
Spiritual significance
Koodaravalli is interpreted as a celebration of “coming together” in bhakti: the individual soul uniting with the Lord, and devotees setting aside differences to share prasada and chant together. Many believe the day is particularly auspicious for marital harmony, reunion of separated couples and family unity, as Andal’s grace is invoked for auspicious relationships and prosperity.
1.Please refer to many scholars’ statement( Today U.V Thamal Sri Ramakrishnan also repeated the same )…
” Koodaarai vellum ” has unfortunately got twisted as Koodaaravalli. It is giving a wrong meaning. The actual meaning is Lord Govinda attracts even those who do not wish to join the right path and thereby saves them from Doom. “Vellum” is not by fighting but by Compassion (Kaarunyam). There is NEITHER “Koodaaraam” ( Tent/Shaamiyaana) , NOR “Valli”(sounds like Vedavalli or Sundaravalli !)
It is just .. KOODAARAI ( meaning Koodaathaarai ) VELLUM (conquering by Grace) GOVINDA !
2. AKKAARA VARISAL is a special Naivaidyam stressed in this and the next song( Karavaigal pin sendru). Both the songs are interconnected. The process of making this special Naivaedyam corrosponds to each step of Krishnaanubhavam( experiencing the Lord).
To be prepared …WITHOUT WATER , RICE SHOULD BE BOILED IN MILK ONLY . MEANS NO DILUTION. ( EXPERIENCE HIM WITH NO DILUTION & ONLY IN PURITY.. It’s the message of the song. Communal harmony , sharing equally with Love is stressed in the 28th song.
Valli in Sanskrit means verse/chapter e.g. shikshavalli, brahmanandavalli and brighuvalkibif taittiriya upanishad. Koodarai valli is the verse that starts with koodarai. The significance of the verse is nicely explained in your post.