Chapter Thirty
The sweetness springing from his mouth—only this nectar
can dispel my pain—bring it to me—let me drink the divine
Nacciyar Tirumoli 13:4
All of Villiputtur was awake. Women had been up before dawn, sweeping the street between Andal’s house and the temple, sprinkling it with water then fine white sand. Flower wreaths lined the way, and outside Andal’s house townsmen had built a tall canopy with banana trees at each of the four directions, its roof thatched with white palm fronds and trumpet flower vines.
Varaji flitted from kitchen to courtyard and up and down the stairs. So much to do and already the sky was flushed pink. Wives from neighbouring houses had come to help with the final preparations. They wrapped sambar spices in banana leaf packages, measured husked and r
