Nammāzhvār's Feet at Tirumalai
Ānanda Āzhvān (Tamil: 'the bliss-giving Āzhvār' or 'the Āzhvān who grants ānanda') is the specific name of the Sadāgopam (Śrī Śaṭhakopam / foot-crown) that represents the lotus feet of Nammāzhvār at Tirumalai (Tirupati). When this crown is placed on a devotee's head at Tirumalai, it is the blessing of Nammāzhvār's feet specifically in the context of Veṅkaṭeśvara's abode.
Temple-Specific Sadāgopams
The tradition has specific Sadāgopam names for different sacred locations:
- Ānanda Āzhvān at Tirumalai
- Śrī Rāmānujam at Āzhvārtirunagari
- Madurakavigaḷ at various locations
Each name reflects the specific relational and emotional quality of Nammāzhvār's presence at that particular place — at Tirumalai, it is the pure bliss (ānanda) of the Lord's mountain abode.
Connection to Rāmānuja
Ānanda āzhvān at Tirumalai is specifically said to be the representation of Rāmānuja's devotion to Nammāzhvār as expressed at Tirumalai — linking the two great figures across time.