[2] Comprising eleven pasurams (hymns), the Kanninun Cirutampu is a tribute to Madhurakavi's acharya, Nammalvar.

According to legend, the theologian Nathamuni once heard some people reciting the cantos of Āravāmude of Nammalvar at Kumbakonam.

[8] The people did not know the 1,000 verses that Nathamuni wanted, but they told him about 11 pasurams (hymns) of Madhurakavi Alvar, a disciple of Nammalvar, and the Kanninun Cirutampu.

Nathamuni did as advised, and pleased with his penance, Nammalvar granted him not only his 1,000 pasurams, but the entire 4,000-pasuram compendium of all the Alvars.

[6] The first hymn of the work is translated as follows:[7] In place of my father, the great marvellous onewho had himself tied with the knotted, slender cord, I now draw near and speak of the lord of southern Kurkukur,and it flows as amrtam, my tongue's delightMudalayiram - K. R. KrishnaSwami