As per Hindu legend, Nammazhwar remained speechless from his birth sitting in a tamarind tree and he first interacted with Madhurakavi, who saw a bright light shining to the south, and followed it until he reached the tree where the boy was residing. The works of Madhurakavi along with the other azhwars contributed to the philosophical and theological ideas of Vaishnavism. The verses of Mathurakavi and other azhwars are recited as a part of daily prayers and during festive occasions in most Vishnu temples in South India.