The Tamil literary movement shifting from Buddhism and Jainism towards Saivism or Siva cult is depicted in this lesson. Pioneers in this effort are Thirumoolar and Karaikkal Ammaiyar. A few other works also appeared during their times.

Thirumanthiram and Muthollayiram are the two works that arose in the Dark Age of Tamil History and literature. Although non-religious works also existed during this period, only these two are available today.

Thirumanthiram has a section called Paayiram and nine subsections called Thanthiram. With 232 chapters of a total of 3100 verses, this is the sole known Tamil scripture. The author Thirumoola Nayanar is one of the 63 Nayanmarkal who contributed Saiva Literature to the Tamil language. The theme of Thirumanthiram is called Saiva Sidhantham with its three basic factors of Pathi or God, Pasu or living beings and Pasam or the three human bonds called Aanavam, Kanmam, and Maayai. Besides these Saivite principles this work also highlights common ideals like love, grace, non-permanence, non-killing and denial of meat. The famous dictum of Onre Kulam Oruvane Devan is from this book conveying the oneness of God and the singularity of human-beings.

Muthollayiram praises the three Tamil kings of Chera, Chola and Pandya, mentioning the common names of Kothai, Killi, and Maran without specifying names of the individual kings. As this book is about the three kings, with 900 poems, it is called Muthollayiram. The author is unknown. Most poems are concerned with the thematic aspect of Kaikilai meaning unreciprocated love of the women for their king. So, the Tamil culture & philosophy of the period can be best understood by reading this book.

On learning this lesson you will understand the history of the poet Thirumoolar and the importance of his work Thirumanthiram in the life of Tamil people. The high principles and the profound faith of Tamilians are widely learnt through this work. Similarly, Muthollayiram is another great literary work of the period depicting the Tamil culture.