Karaikkal Ammaiyar – a sixth century saint and poetess. She was an ardent devotee of Shiva and composes verses praising the glory of Mahadeva. This is a collection of quotes and teachings from poems of Karaikkal Ammaiyar.
Some may say that God is high up in the heavens; others may say that He is seated as the Lord of the celestials. But I will say that He who is the Lord of Jnana (wisdom) and whose shining throat is black with the poison (Neelakanta Shiva) he has swallowed, is the dweller in my heart.
Poem 2
Having been born and having learnt to speak,
Poem 4
Some may say that God is high up in the heavens; others may say that He is seated as the Lord of the celestials. But I will say that He who is the Lord of Jnana (wisdom) and whose shining throat is black with the poison (Neelakanta Shiva) he has swallowed, is the dweller in my heart.
It is only the Lord’s grace that rules all the worlds. It is the same grace that removes the bondage of births for souls. As my rule of life is to see the Supreme Reality through the eyes of His grace, all things are ever within my reach.
They who are incapable of understanding His real nature make fun of Him. They see only His fine form besmeared with ashes and bedecked with a garland of bones like a ghost.
Teachings From Poems of Karaikkal Ammaiyar
Poem 1
He can be seen in whatever form one desires!
He can be seen by those who worship Him with love and
devotion!
He can be seen as a radiance in consciousness!
He is the primordial protector of this world.
Having been born and having learnt to speak,
Love for you developed
And I sought your feet
O Lord of angels! With a shining blue neck!
When will you remove my suffering
Poem 3
Poem 3
I will only be His slave in all even births!
I will have love only for Him!
Other than the One with the crescent moon in his thick hair
I will not love anyone else!
Poem 4
Some say: He resides in heaven!
Others say: He resides in the world of celestials led by Indra!
Let them say so, if they wish!
But I declare:
The Lord whose neck is darkened by sea poison resides in my heart!
Poem 5
Poem 5
We have been redeemed!
We have been united with the Lord’s feet!
Hereafter, there will be no trace of suffering!
We have crossed the ocean of births (caused by previous deeds)
See and rejoice!