Final answer:
Karaikkal Ammaiyar became the greatest figure in the Nayanar tradition due to her deep devotion to Lord Shiva, unusual form of worship, contribution to Tamil literature through her divine poems, and being one of the rare female poets in a male-dominated field.
Step-by-step explanation:
Karaikkal Ammaiyar, a devotee of Lord Shiva from the 6th century, is one of the most revered figures in the Nayanar tradition. She became a significant persona due to her devotion and an unusual form of worship known as 'demon worship'. After being blessed by Lord Shiva, she voluntarily chose the life of an ascetic and started worshipping Shiva in her unique style, which involved singing and dancing violently and behaving like a ghost. This unique style stood out in the Nayanar tradition and made her a prominent figure.
Furthermore, the legends of her life and works emphasize her dedication and commitment to Lord Shiva and portray her as a symbol of ultimate devotion. The poems that she wrote in praise of Lord Shiva have become an integral part of the Nayanar tradition and are still revered today. Her mystical experiences also showed people a unique and powerful path to divine love.
Lastly, Karaikkal Ammaiyar was one of the earliest Tamil poets and one of the few female poets in a male-dominated field, making her an inspiration for future generations and thus further solidifying her position as an important figure in the Nayanar tradition.
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