According to minor Hindu narative, Ammavaru is an ancient goddess who laid the egg that hatched Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu. In fact, "Amma" is a term meaning mother. According to other Hindus, however, Shiva is without birth or death. Similar beliefs exist for Vishnu.

Annually, the women of South India who believe in Ammavaru conduct a ritual prayer to the deity. A metal pot filled with rice is used to symbolize the goddess' body. The pot is clothed in a traditional sari. At the mouth of the pot, a painted coconut is used to symbolize the head. Varying implements

Further reading

• Hindu Goddesses: Vision of the Divine Feminine in the Hindu Religious Traditions (ISBN 8120803795) by David Kinsley

Ammavaru