 Though these two systems are overlapping, the Agamic tradition ensures the perpetuation of the Vedic religion's emphasis on the efficacy of ritual as per Davis.The earliest singers of "Tevaram" hymns were referred to as "pidarars", and were among the "Tirupadiyam Vinnapam Seyvar" that Nandivarman III provided for in Tiruvallam Bilavaneswara temple records dating from the 8th century.A few earlier records also give details about the gifts rendered to the singers of "Tevaram" from Parantaka I. Rajaraja deputed 48 "pidarars" and made liberal provisions for their maintenance and successors.