Tayumanavar was a renowned Tamil poet and great philosopher who lived during the period between 1705- 1742. He was an erudite and a scholar in both Sanskrit and Tamil languages. Tayumanavar was a minister of the ruler of Tiruchchirappalli, Vijayaranka Cokkanatar. After the poet became a realised soul, he renounced this prestigious position. Tayumanavar spent most of his time in practicing deep meditation and in composing philosophical hymns and verses. The manner of composition of the poems reveals that these were constructed in a state of spiritual excitement and rapture. The much venerated Tamil poet, to much extent, was capable to resolve the obvious conflicting philosophies of Advaita and Shaiva Siddhanta, and combine and amalgamate them. The
The inner meaning and connotation of the Upanishads and other such philosophical works were expressed in a simple, lucid and dasic manner in the verses composed by Tayumanavar. He has also composed a number of devotional hymns and songs as well. The poet represented philosophical facts and truths through the medium of traditional akam poetry. Some of his well known and much appreciated literary works in Tamil language includes Paihkilikkanni, Anantukkalippu and Akarapuvanam.
The work of Paihkilikkanni comprises of fifty eight verses, as the Kannis are poems that contains only 2 lines. The verses in the poetic work of Anantakkalippu composed by Tayumanavar are addressed to the maid in akam poetry. These poems are They are modelled on Tamil folk songs recited by mendicants who sang the devotional songs while begging in the streets for alms. Tayumanavar also wrote a few poems based on noble matters and ideas. In various couplets the poet conveyed very subtle truths in elaborate manner. His other composition entitled the Parapamkkanani also reveals such similar features as well. This literary work of Tamil literature comprises of three hundred and eighty nine verses.
Most of his poetic creations point out the noblest religious truths. Tayumanavar, in his personal life, expressed love without showing distinction or any bias to any people, community or religious sect. the poet and scholar ignored religious controversies and preached eclecticism. The ray of eclecticism is very clearly reflected his poetry. The poems composed by Tayumanavar are regarded amongst the finest literary pieces.
