In the town of Karaikal, Punithavathi is born to a merchant, Danadathar. She grows up as a staunch Shiva devotee and upon attaining age, she marries Paramathathar. One day, Paramathathar gives two mangoes to his wife. Lord Shiva comes in disguise of a mendicant to test the devotion of Punithavathi. He begs and asks for food thus, Punithavathi serves him with one of the two mangoes. Paramathathar comes home and she serves him with food and the remaining mango; but he asks for another. Fearing that her husband would be furious if he comes to know about the truth, Punithavathi prays fervently to Lord Shiva. By the grace of the Almighty, she receives a mango miraculously. However, upon tasting this mango, Paramathathar finds that it is sweeter than the other is and questions Punithavathi with much suspicion. Finally, she tells him the truth and he thought to himself that he is not fit to be her husband as she is not an ordinary person. Hence, he leaves the country and goes to Pandya, where he remarries and names his daughter after Punithavathi.
Many years later, Punithavathi meets her husband, but she becomes shocked when her husband comes forward to prostrate before her, claiming that she is a miraculous person. The devastated Punithavathi, begs the Lord to shelve her youth and beauty. Instead of walking on her foot, she reaches Kailash on her head to meet Lord Shiva. Amazed with her devotion, the Lord calls her “Oh Mother” and names her ‘Mother of Karaikal’ (Karaikal Ammaiyar). Lord Shiva makes her wishes come true by dancing the Thandavam with His consort, Parvathi, at Thiru Alangadu. She remains there perennially under His feet.
Date:29th & 30th August 1987
Venue: Civic Centre, Petaling Jaya
