Thoppi Amma: Revered yet mysterious figure ignites speculation and intrigue in Thiruvannamalai

Every day, Thoppi Amma dons a cap, a ragged shirt and skirt ensemble with unkempt hair, exhibiting peculiar behaviour and odd gestures. Despite her appearance, she is revered by many in Thiruvannamalai, a renowned pilgrimage site in Tamil Nadu known for the Annamalaiyar Temple and the Karthika festival.

Thoppi Amma, an elderly woman, is the subject of worship with numerous social media posts capturing her encounters with pilgrims including foreigners. A post by Oracle ACE Director Sai Penumuru garnered significant attention, highlighting his fortunate walk alongside the revered figure.

I was so lucky to walk with Thoppi amma (Topi Amma) at Tiruvannamalai (Arunachalam) pic.twitter.com/oMCV6Qyfuk

— Sai Penumuru (@sai_penumuru) August 7, 2022

While some believe Thoppi Amma to possess divine blessings, others express concerns about her mental well-being, advocating for urgent medical assistance. Her speech, often unclear is speculated by some to be in ancient Tamil. However, her true identity and origins remain shrouded in mystery.