| Karaikal Ammayar
was the wife of a rich merchant of Karaikal named Paramadatta, endowed with heavenly
gifts. Her own name was Punitavatiyar (the pure lady). She wasvery devout and especially
careful to entertain all devotees of Siva that came to her door. One day, her husband
received from some persons who had come to him on business, a present of two mangoes of a
very superior kind, which he sent home to his wife. Soon after-wards, a holy devotee
arrived at the house as a mendicant guest. She had
nothing ready to offer him except some boiled ' rice. This she gave him and as there was
no other side dish, she gave him one of the mangoes. At noon, her husband returned and
took his meal with the other mango. He was so pleased with the mango that he told his
wife, "I sent two mangoes, give me the other."
His wife was perplexed, as she had already given the other
mango to the mendicant. Immediately she offered fervent prayers to God, who never deserts
those who serve Him. God heard her prayers and straightaway a mango was found in her
hands. She served it to her husband. |
