Nallanthuvanar

Nallanthuvanar was a Tamil poet and saint from the Sangam period. He is primarily known for his authorship of the 'Neethuneri Vilakkam' (Meaning: An Explanation of the Path of Morality), a collection of 100 Tamil verses offering ethical guidance. While the exact period of his life is debated, he is generally believed to have lived between the 8th and 10th centuries CE, placing him in the later Sangam or post-Sangam era.

His work, Neethuneri Vilakkam, is highly regarded for its practical wisdom and moral teachings. The verses cover a wide range of topics including duty, righteousness, truthfulness, generosity, and the consequences of one's actions. It is considered a significant text within Tamil ethical literature, often compared to the more famous Tirukkural for its didactic content. Nallanthuvanar's style is characterized by its clarity, simplicity, and profundity.

Beyond his literary contributions, Nallanthuvanar is also revered as a spiritual figure. His teachings emphasize the importance of virtuous living and the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. While biographical details are scarce, his enduring legacy lies in the wisdom imparted through his poetry, which continues to influence Tamil culture and moral thought. The name Nallanthuvanar itself suggests a person of good character and devotion.