Tirumurai

Tirumurai (Tamil: திருமுறை, meaning Holy Order) is a twelve-volume compendium of songs or hymns in praise of Shiva in the Tamil language from the 6th to the 11th century CE by various poets in Tamil Nadu. Nambiyandar Nambi compiled the first seven volumes by Appar, Sambandar, and Sundarar as Tevaram during the 12th century. During the course of time, a strong necessity was felt by scholars to compile Shaiva literature to accommodate other works. Tiruvasakam and Tirukovayar by Manickavasagar are included as the eighth, nine parts are compiled as the ninth Tirumurai out of which most are unknown, and the tenth as Tirumandiram by Tirumular, the famous Siddhar. The eleventh is compiled by Karaikal Ammaiyar, Cheraman Perumal and others. The contemporary Chola king was impressed by the work of Nambi and included Nambi’s work in the eleventh Tirumurai. Sekkilar’s Periya Puranam, composed a century later, contains the life depiction of all the 63 Nayanmars. The response for the work was so tremendous among Shaiva scholars and Kulothunga Chola II that it was included as the 12th Tirumurai. Tirumurai along with Vedas and Shaiva agamas form the basis of Shaiva Siddantha philosophy in South India and Sri Lanka.

wikipedia/en/Tirumurai

The Thirumurai is a twelve-volume collection of hymns and songs in the Tamil language, dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. These works, composed between the 6th and 11th centuries CE by various Tamil poets, are considered sacred texts in Tamil Shaivism. The first seven volumes are known as Tevaram, and the collection also includes works like Thiruvasagam and Thirumantiram. 

• Compilation: Nambi Andar Nambi, a twelfth-century Shaiva scholar, compiled the first seven volumes (Tevaram). 
• Content: The Thirumurai contains hymns, songs, and philosophical treatises praising and glorifying Shiva. 
• Notable authors include Sambandar, Appar, Sundarar, and Manikkavacakar, among others. 
• Significance: The Thirumurai is a central text in Tamil Shaivism, influencing religious practices, philosophical thought, and Tamil literature. 
• Structure: The collection is divided into twelve volumes, each with its own focus and style. 
• Thevaram: The first seven volumes, known as Thevaram, are particularly important for their musical and poetic beauty, according to the Shiva Murugan Temple. 
• Other Notable Volumes: The eighth volume is Thiruvasagam, known for its emotional depth and spiritual insights, while the tenth volume, Thirumantiram, delves into philosophical and yogic concepts.