Iraiyanar Akapporul and Sangam legend

Iraiyanar Akapporul, which is also known as “Iraiyanar’s writing on love”, is a work of Tamil literature which dates back to around 5-8th centuries AD. This work has 60 Nrupas or verses. Iraiyanar Akapporul is the oldest work, which gives reference to the Sangam Legend and gives the first mention of the Sangam Period. This reference is in a commentary by Nakkirar which describes 3 Sangams which span in thousands of years.

As per this legend

• First Sangam (Mudharchangam) was held at Madurai and was submerged under the sea. It lasted for 4400 years and had 549 members and 4449 poets. This includes authors like Hindu gods such as Siva, Kubera and Murugan. First Sangam was presided by Rishi Agasyta and was patronized by 89 Pandya Kings.
• The second Sangam (Idaichangam) is described to have convened in Kapatapuram which lasted for 3700 years and had 59 members and 3700 poets. This also submerged under sea. Second Sangam was presided by Tolakappiyar and was presided by 59 kings.
• The third Sangam (Kadaichamgam) was held in Madurai and lasted 1850 years. It had 49 members and 449 poets. Third Sangam was presided by Nakkirar and was presided by 49 Patron Kings.

The legend provided by Iraiyanar Akapporul says that 8598 poets contributed to these Sangams and all of them were patronized by 197 Pandya Kings and they lasted for 9990 years. The information is exaggerated and unrealistic and is now rejected by the Scholars. This reference has only of indicative importance.