Story of Karaikal Ammaiyar is an example of unwavering devotion. Young Punitavati lived in Karaikal with her husband Paramadhattan. Punitavati was an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva. Once, her husband sent two mangoes from his workplace. Soon a hungry sage appeared at the door and as food was yet to be prepared, Punitavati gave him one of the mangoes. In the evening, Paramadhattan wanted to eat the mangoes. The first one was so tasty that he asked for the second too. A helpless Punitavati prayed to the Lord. Miraculously a fruit fell into her palms. Her husband ate the fruit and wanted to know how the mango tasted different from the first one. Punitavati then told him the truth. Her husband then asked her to get more of the sweet mangoes. Punitavati again prayed to Lord Shiva. A mango appeared again but when Paramadhattan attempted to eat it, the fruit disappeared. Paramadhattan was rattled by the experience, got scared, and he ran away from home. A puzzled P