The book is basically a story of Siva's supremacy over other cults and creeds. Sambandar, one of the foremost of Shaiva saints witnessed Siva's supremacy and this marked a significant landmark in the history of Saivism in India. Sixty three saints extolled the Supreme Reality of Siva. Sekillar (twelfth century) cites authentic incidents where the power of Siva destroys even poison and fire. Such is the power of Siva as told in Periyapuranam. The Tamil culture, habits., thoughts, social structure have also been discussed in great detail.
A three year old child born in Seerkali is fed on the milk of wisdom by Parvati. Sambandar visits different shrines singing hymns in praise of Siva, effecting many miracles and transforming the lives of common people. Periyapuranam deals with the relationship of God Siva and man and elucidates the lives of the 63 Saiva saints of South India in their historic, social and religious settings. Sekillar is the author of Periyapuranam. He lived in the holy city of Thillai and wrote the literary work. When this Puranam was completed (with 13 sections of 4268 cantos), the King and his officers listened to the work. There was a touching ceremony after which the work was named Periyapuranam and the author was highly honoured. This is a historical fact and proves the Shaiva-Tamiul culture in the 11th and 12th century.