Sekkizhar states the purpose of Gnanasambandar’s birth as being occasioned by the will of Siva who chooses to grant the prayers of one Sivapadahridayar, a Siva devotee, who had done penance to beget a son who would revive Saivism and also Tamil language, literature and culture at one stroke. While describing the circumstances that led to the very first song of Gnanasambandar, he says that as a child of three he begins to cry “with a noise resounding like the chant of the Vedas,” when his father goes under water for ablutions. This is indicative of the purpose of his advent which is to establish the Vedic faith among the people at a time when it was being eroded by the dominance of other religions, pointed out Dr. Sudha Seshaiyan in a discourse.
It is also a momentous occasion for reinforcing the glories of Tamil language. The child is pacified by the vision of the very Lord of the entire universe who appears along with His consort. Siva and Uma bless him with the milk of jnana, and the immediate effect is seen in the first pathigam that the child sings. The child is infused with the rare insight into the treasures of contemplating the hallowed feet of Siva as the sure way to redemption. Even at that tender age, the child feels the impact of His grace and calls Him as one who has stolen his heart. Such is the power, stamp and authority of Siva’s grace that the saint’s hymns, besides reflecting his knowledge of music and proficiency in Tamil, offer benediction to humanity and promise of relief from the sorrows of samsara. This theme is expressed in the eleventh stanza in every pathigam which is known as Tirukkadai Kappu. The songs thus inspire tremendous faith in God and when chanted with sincerity, make one courageous and unafraid of any difficult situation in life.