Andal's Dream

Andal is the only woman among the 12 Alwar saints of South India. The Tamil word, Alwar, means one who has drowned, lost himself in the sea of the divine being.
We know few real facts about Andal but very symbolic legends can tell even more. Andal's life as well as her poetry is entirely occupied with her passion for the divine Being. The 10th Century poetess Andal was the foster-daughter of Vishnuchitta, found by him, it is said, a new-born child under the sacred tulsi-plant. It is said that she went through a symbolic marriage with Sri Ranganatha, Vishnu in his temple at Srirangam, and disappeared into the image of her Lord. So beautiful isn't it?
Here is one of her poems translated by Sri Aurobindo.

I dreamed a dream, O friend.

The wedding was fixed for the morrow. And He, the Lion, 

Madhava, the young Bull whom they call

The master of radiances, 

He came into the hall of wedding

Decorated with luxuriant palms.

I dreamed a dream, O friend.

And the throng of the Gods was there with Indra,

the Mind Divine, at their head. 

And in the shrine they declared me bride and clad me

In a new robe of affirmation. 

And Inner Force is the name of the goddess who adorned me

With the garland of the wedding.

I dreamed a dream, O friend.

There were beatings of the drum and blowing of the conch; 

And under the canopy hung heavily with strings of pearls 

He came, my lover and my Lord, the vanquisher of the demon Madhu

And grasped me by the hand.

I dreamed a dream, O friend.

Those whose voices are blessed, they sang the Vedic songs. 

The holy grass was laid. The sun was established.

And He who was puissant like a war-elephant in its rage,

He seized my hand and we paced round the Flame.