Karaikkal Ammaiyar was a devotee of ______ adopted the path of extreme asceticism in order to attain her goal.

Shiva

The correct answer is Option (2) → Shiva

Karaikkal Ammaiyar was a devotee of SHIVA adopted the path of extreme asceticism in order to attain her goal.

Some of the earliest bhakti movements (c. sixth century) were led by the Alvars (literally, those who are “immersed” in devotion to Vishnu) and Nayanars (literally, leaders who were devotees of Shiva). They travelled from place to place singing hymns in Tamil in praise of their gods.

Perhaps one of the most striking features of Alvar and Nayanar traditions in South India was the presence of women. For instance, the compositions of Andal, a woman Alvar, were widely sung (and continue to be sung to date). Andal saw herself as the beloved of Vishnu; her verses express her love for the deity. Another woman, Karaikkal Ammaiyar, a devotee of Shiva.