The association of karaikkal ammaiyar and ghosts is one of the most intriguing episodes of south indian hindu world. Ammaiyar predates appar and her padhikams are called "Mootha thiruppadhigams" till date. Chronologically she is places slightly after silappadhikaram days, to be followed by Thirumoolar - both of whom predate appar.
In her very first stanza, ammaiyar provides an extremely stunning and vivid portrayal of ghost
"Konkai thirangi narambezhndhu kondu kan ven par kuzhi vayitrup pangi sivandhiuru parkal neendu parattuyar neel kanaikk kaalor pen pei..."
In thiruvalangattu thiruppadhigams she closely associates ghosts with shiva. Whereas in almost all sculptures, it is kali who is shown in association of ghosts.
Ammaiyar's portrayal of ghosts - the association of ghosts with kali - and the final fact that she reached and is portrayed as a ghost - they all seem to have an subtle inner meaning.