Karaikkal Ammaiyar: Devotee of Shiva or Vishnu?
Karaikkal Ammaiyar was a devotee of Lord Shiva and one of the 63 Nayanar saints. She is not a devotee of Vishnu, as those saints are known as Alvars.
Primary Reference: NCERT Class XII - Themes in Indian History Part II
Archived:
Updated:
Exam Year
2020
Evidence Source
Link ↗Which one of the following statements about the Bhakti Movement in South India is NOT correct?
[CAPF 2020]
Detailed Solution & Historical Context
Concept
The Bhakti movement in South India was divided between the Alvars (Vishnu devotees) and the Nayanars (Shiva devotees).
Authentic Source Evidence
Karaikkal Ammaiyar was a famous female poet-saint and one of the 63 Nayanars. She renounced her social identity and requested Shiva to grant her the form of a demoness so she could watch his cosmic dance eternally.
Analytical Breakdown
Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic
"How did Nayanars and Alvars differ?"
Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip
"Figures like Karaikkal Ammaiyar and Andal provided a powerful challenge to patriarchal norms by prioritizing spiritual devotion over familial and social obligations."
Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)
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