In an in-depth examination of Tamil Nadu's history, the article discusses the significant influences of Jain and Buddhist philosophies on Tamil culture. These schools of thought, while providing discipline, elevating literature, and enriching thought, eventually led to a sense of monotony and lack of enthusiasm in life. With an emphasis on severe renunciation and extensive teachings, they created a void within the Tamil society, which sought for more vibrant expressions of human emotions beyond mere emancipation.

The article argues that the Jain and Buddhist traditions, despite their scholarly merits, offered an impractical approach to life that was disconnected from the daily realities of human existence. It suggests that while these philosophies aimed to reveal the ultimate truth, they alienated individuals by promoting a withdrawn lifestyle that did not accommodate the love, joy, and emotional richness that define human life. This disconnection led to an existential emptiness in society, which the article describes as 'shoonya', a void that could not be filled by teachings alone.

The entry of the 'Nayanmars' and 'Alwars' marked a transformative phase in Tamil devotion. The Nayanmars, Shaiva saints, and the Alwars, who sang praises of Lord Vishnu, introduced a more emotive and inclusive form of spirituality. These figures resonated deeply with the people's need for emotional connection and a celebratory outlook on life, ultimately making the Bhakti movement more relevant and accessible than the previous ascetic traditions. This movement not only revitalized Tamil spirituality but also addressed the longstanding void created by earlier philosophies, thus reinvigorating Tamil culture and identity.