History of the Pallavas of Kanchi c15.s1.8

c15.s1.8

About the age of Māṇikkavāśagar the well-known author of *Tiruvāśakam* and *Tirukkovai*, there exists some doubt. According to some Tamil scholars he preceded the three *Tēvāram* hymnists. But as he clearly refers to the Pandyan King Varaguṇa in his works there cannot be any doubt that he flourished in the earlier half of the ninth century. His *Tiruvāśakam* is a very popular work and celebrates Śiva's miracles in a simple and attractive style. His activities were confined to Chidambaram and its adjoining places and he does not appear to have come into active contact with the Pallavas.