In the Hindu legend, Andal is believed to have been discovered under a Tulsi (Basil) plant in the temple garden of Srivilliputtur, by Vishnuchittar. The childless Vishnuchittar was happy about the child and named her Kodhai. The child was brought up by Vishnuchittar in an atmosphere of love and devotion. Vishnuchittar doted on her in every respect, singing songs to her about Vishnu, teaching her all the stories and philosophy he knew and sharing with her his love for Tamil poetry. As Kodhai grew into a maiden, her love and devotion for Ranganatha (the reclining form of Vishnu) grew to the extent that she decided to marry none but the Ranganatha himself. As days progressed, her resolve strengthened and she started to live in a dream world with her beloved and was constantly fantasizing about marrying him. Vishnuchittar had the responsibility of delivering flower garlands to the Ranganathar temple everyday. Kodhai made these garlands and eventually started wearing the flower garland which was meant to be offered to the deity. However, Kodhai felt she should test to see how the garland suited her and only if it did, she should offer it to the deity. One day, she was caught red-handed by her father in this strange act, and being an orthodox devotee, he was extremely upset. He rebuked her and told her not to repeat the sacrilegious act in the future. Frightened and apologetic, Kodhai made a new garland for the offering that day. Legend says that that very night Vishnu appeared to Vishnuchittar in a dream and asked him why he had discarded Kodhai's garland instead of offering it to him. Vishnuchittar was moved and understood the divine love of his daughter. From that day on, Kodhai is believed to obtained the name Andal, the girl who ruled over the Lord. She is also known by a phrase Soodi kodutha Sudarkodi which means The bright creeper-like woman who gave her garlands after wearing them. As Andal grew to a marriageable age, Vishnuchittar prepared to get her married to a suitable groom. Andal, however, was stubborn and insisted that she would marry only the god Ranganathar. The father was worried, but Vishnu appeared to Vishnuchittar in a dream and informed him that he would marry Andal at Srirangam. He commanded the priests at Srirangam, in their dreams, to prepare for the wedding. Andal, who was anxious to reach Srirangam, was unable to control herself in her urgency to meet her beloved. She ran into the sanctum sanctorum of Ranganatha and is believed to have merged with him.