The Alvars were Tamil poet saints of South India who led some of the earliest Bhakti movements during 6^th Century CE. They were devotees of Vishnu and often used different songs and hymns to express their devotion.

The Nayanars were 63 poet saints who lived between 6^th and 8^th century in Tamil Nadu. They were devotees of Shiva and had a big impact on the Bhakti movement in southern India.