Karaikkal Ammaiyar
A woman named Punidhavadhi, because of her eternal love towards Lord Shiva got the name ‘Karaikkal Ammaiyar, meaning the revered mother from Karaikkal. Ammaiyar is one of the three female Nayanmars. Her name was embedded in the everlasting Tamil literature. Her works are collectively called as ‘ Thiruaalangattu Mudhal Mootha Thiruppadhigam’ in the Padhinoraam thirumurai. All her songs are written in praise of Lord Shiva.
Life history:
Early life:
Punithavadhi was born to a merchant called Dhanathathanar. From childhood, Worhipping God was her lifestyle. She had an unconditional love towards the eternal power. She went to temple everyday, along with her friend and offered aaraadhanas to Lord Shiva. She had the divine Tejas and was accompanied by the God at all times. Her innermost feelings became true. She was an abnormal child with the wisdom, beyond her age.
Marriage life:
Punithavadhi was married to Paramathathar, who is also a merchant. He was basically an atheist, who never believes in God. But, Punithavadhi didnt bother about it. She took all steps to be happy with him. But, she started serving all the Sivanadiyars, which was not liked by her husband. They lost peace at home.
Shiva’s play:
One day, Lord Shiva appeared as a Sivanadiyar infront of Paramathathan and offered two mangoes to him, saying that those two are from the same tree and hence have the same taste. He gave those mangoes to Punithavadhi. During the lunch, he asked for the mango to eat. Punidhavadhi gave him one mango. Being mesmerized by its taste, he asked for the other mango also. But, Punidhavadhi would have served the other one to a Sivanadiyar, who had come to her house that day. She got afraid and asked Shiva for a solution. Lord Shiva offered him another mango, which she gave to her husband. Paramathathan then realized the change in taste. Hence, Punidhavadhi had to tell the truth. Initially he didn’t believe her, then she asked Lord Shiva to offer another mango in front of her husband. She was gifted another mango!
Karaikkal Ammayar’s wish:
Paramathathan was surprised by the power of Punithavadhi and showed respect for her. He didn’t want to lead a married life with her and left her, after which he married another woman. He was blessed with a girl child and named her as Punithavadhi. Knowing this, Punithavadhi worshipped Lord Shiva to bless her with a demon appearance. Lord Shiva appeared and called her as Amaiye. Ammaiyar also wished for an opportunity to see his divine dance and she wanted to play the cymbals. He asked her to come to Thiruvilangaadu to see his oordhuva Thandavam. Ammaiyar didn’t want to place her foot on the place of Shiva and hence moved with her head on the ground. Finally, she got the divine chance of playing Cymbals to the holy dance of Lord Shiva. She was relieved from the cycle of rebirths as she wished.
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