National Award winning lyricist Vairamuthu quoted from 'Indian Movement: Some Aspects of Dissent, Protest and Reform,' a book which claims Andal was a "devadasi" who lived in the Srirangam temple near Trichy.

Vairamuthu says a controversial term he used to describe the Vaishnavite saint Andal was only a quote from a book, and claims he intended to praise the revered Krishna devotee.

In a recent speech, the celebrated poet quoted from 'Indian Movement: Some Aspects of Dissent, Protest and Reform,' a book which claims Andal was a "devadasi" who lived in the Srirangam temple near Trichy, considered by Hindus as one of Tamil Nadu's holiest shrines.

"Devotees won't accept this. But those who are against inequalities will think about it," he added.

"In my speech published as the article "Thamizhai Andal," I had only quoted a book. That's not my opinion. My only intention was to praise Andal. I wanted to define her personality." he said.

He added that he hadn't intended to hurt anyone, and that if he'd done so, he regretted it.

However poet's comments infuriated several BJP leaders, and its general secretary H.Raja Sharma angrily told who ever talk about 12th Alwar Andal as Devadasi is son of a prostitute.

In public meeting he called repeatedly National Award winning lyricist Vairamuthu mother as "dasi" (Slut) but his speech been criticised by many in social media.

Seeing that video of BJP leader Raja Sharma speech Vairamuthu also commented that his patience also has a limit.

It is important to note in November 2017 Vairamuthu attended Prime minister Modi book (translated in tamil) release function and there he praised both Defense Minister Nirmala and Modi at large.