The பெரியபுராணம் by சேக்கிழார் is the last திருமுறை of the twelve சைவத்திருமுறைகள். It is also called the திருத்தொண்டர்புராணம் and the திருத்தொண்டர் மாக்கதை. The பெரியபுராணம் is an epic inspired by the திருத்தொண்டத் தொகை by சுந்தரமூர்த்தி சுவாமிகள் and the திருத்தொண்டர் திருவந்தாதி by நம்பியாண்டார் நம்பி-both works that preceded it. It recounts the histories of 63 Saiva saints and 9 தொகைஅடியார் or saint-groups. The influence of the பெரியபுராணம் on the growth of the socio-religious culture of the Tamils is so extensive that a lesson has been set apart exclusively for it.

A brief narration of the life of சேக்கிழார் is presented in the next section. For his writing of the பெரியபுராணம். சேக்கிழார் was accorded the title தொண்டர்சீர் பரவுவார், or one who has spread the glory of the Saiva saints.

பெரியபுராணம் has been written in accordance with the epic conventions. The life-story of சுந்தரமூர்த்தி சுவாமிகள் forms the basic structure of சேக்கிழார்’s epic with the stories of the Saiva saints interwoven into it. The innovative form and structure of the பெரியபுராணம், the sections and sub- sections with their titles and contents are explained. சேக்கிழார்’s descriptive skill, particularly his glorification of the extraordinary spiritual qualities of the Saiva saints are brought out using quotations from his verses.

It is believed that சேக்கிழார் traveled far and wide and verified the information he presented. The பெரியபுராணம் is a veritable treasure-house of historical, geographical, social and cultural knowledge about the Tamils. A note-worthy aspect of this grand epic is its impartial report of the lives of the Saiva saints, irrespective of their caste or regional affiliation. The பெரியபுராணம் was a grand effort to unite all humanity under the vast fold of the Saiva religion.

One of the invaluable contributions that the பெரியபுராணம் is, the understanding it offers of Saivam. The Saiva religion places great value on the worship of the சிவலிங்கம். The சிவலிங்கம். is an extraordinary spiritual symbol in that it signifies both form and formlessness.

The பெரியபுராணம் is, a vital source of historical information. A list of the events described in the பெரியபுராணம் that identify it as a historical epic is given. One of the important historical events that சேக்கிழார் has recorded is the gifting of gold by ஆதித்த சோழன் to the தில்லை temple,

As an epic of devotion to God, the பெரியபுராணம் is suffused with intense faith and love of God. An example provided is சேக்கிழார்’s metaphoric language while describing கண்ணப்பர்’s fervent love and faith in Siva.

There is no doubt that every great work of art has to be socially meaningful if it has to have sustained value down the ages. It should have the courage to comment and criticize social injustices. During சேக்கிழார்’s times caste hierarchies, economic imbalances and bonded labour were widespread. சேக்கிழார்’s epic voices the feelings of rebellion against unjust kings and also speaks of individual liberty and non-violent protests. It also records the efforts of enlightened human beings to break the barriers of caste, class and gender. சேக்கிழார்’s courage and commitment to eradicate his society’s ills are evident in his work.

The main ideas in the core sections are summed up at the end. The central purpose of the பெரியபுராணம் is to stress the need to revere and honour the great men and women who have lead lives of extraordinary piety and served their fellow-beings. The பெரியபுராணம் shows that a fragmented society can be unified through religion. At a time of entrenched monarchy, it called for democratic systems of administration. It acknowledges the work done by women. It conveys with conviction and courage that man can ascend to divine stature. The பெரியபுராணம் was a path-breaking work and it has left an indelible influence on Tamil life and culture.