Karaikkal Ammaiyar, Shaiva Saint, ca. late 13th century

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Karaikkal Ammaiyar, Shaiva Saint, Chola period (880–1279), ca. late 13th century, India (Tamil Nadu), Copper alloy, H. 9 1/8 in. ( cm); W. 6 1/2 in. ( cm); D. 5 1/4 in. ( cm), Sculpture, Ammaiyar, a sixth-century South Indian Shaiva poet saint, achieved her emaciated state after beseeching Shiva to free her from all her worldly encumbrances, including her famed beauty. He granted her wish, transforming her into a withered old woman, and she delighted in devoting her life to composing hymns in praise of her Lord

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Photo credit: © Artokoloro / Alamy / Afripics
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