Question

Karaikkal Ammaiyar was a devotee of ____________ and adopted the path of extreme asceticism in order to attain her goal:

• A. Agni
• B. Shiva
• C. Vishnu
• D. Indra

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Karaikkal Ammaiyar was a renowned devotee of Lord Shiva. She is considered one of the greatest devotees in the Hindu tradition and is known for her intense devotion and literary contributions. Karaikkal Ammaiyar chose the path of extreme asceticism, renouncing worldly life to fully dedicate herself to spiritual pursuits. Her devotion was so profound that it is said she wished to attain her goal through absolute surrender and detachment from all worldly pleasures. Her story is celebrated in Tamil literature and continues to inspire many followers. 

Deity	Path
Shiva	Extreme Asceticism

Answer 2

Karaikkal Ammaiyar was a 6th-century Tamil saint and poetess, widely recognized as one of the 63 Nayanmars (devotees of Lord Shiva). She is revered for her deep devotion to Lord Shiva and is known for her devotional hymns, which express her unwavering love and devotion to the god.

Born in the town of Karaikkal in present-day Tamil Nadu, she is often depicted as a woman who, through her immense love and devotion to Lord Shiva, achieved spiritual greatness. Her devotion was so intense that she is said to have experienced a divine transformation, where she is believed to have taken the form of a woman with a disfigured appearance, as a result of her severe penance and devotion.

Karaikkal Ammaiyar is also credited with composing several hymns, known as Shiva Puranas, which are part of the larger collection of the Tevaram (devotional poetry dedicated to Shiva). Her hymns continue to be sung in temples and are an essential part of the devotional literature in Tamil Shaivism.

Her legacy as one of the foremost female saints of Tamil Nadu highlights the spiritual significance of women in early South Indian devotional movements. Karaikkal Ammaiyar's life and work continue to inspire devotees and are celebrated for her devotion and mystical experiences.