Andal (7th - 8th Cent.)

Andal (Tamil: ஆண்டாள் Äṇţāḷ, an 8th century or earlier) is the only female Alvar of the 12 Alvar saints of South India, who are known for their affiliation to Srivaishnava tradition of Hinduism. She is credited with the great Tamil works of Thirupavai and Nachiar Tirumozhi that are still recited by devotees during the Winter festival season of Margazhi. Andal is known for her unwavering devotion to the Lord Vishnu, the God of the Srivaishnavas.