Spiritual Stories

Author(s): Raman Maharshi
Publisher: Ramanasramam Tiruvannamalai

Page 92

and she has obtained this form by her prayers.” When She drew near, He addressed her with words of love, calling her ‘Amma' (Mother), a name which she bears ever since. As soon as she heard the word she fell at His feet and exclaimed, “Father!" Siva then said to her, “What boon do you wish to ask from me?” She replied, “O Lord, grant undying love and infinite blessedness to me, Your slave. I would be glad never to be born on earth again, but If I must be so born, grant me at least that I may never, in any form or at any time forget You, my Lord; and when You perform Your sacred mystic dance, may I stand in rapture at Your feet and sing Your praise”. The Lord replied, “In Alankadu you shall see my dance, and with rapture you shall sing.” Then the holy Karaikal Ammaiyar returned to Alankadu, still covering the distance on her head, and there she beheld the Lord's sacred dance, and sang her renowned lyrics in His praise.
Karaikal Ammaiyar's devotional hymns form sixth part of Thirumurai.