Manimekalai is a significant Tamil epic poem, believed to have been composed in the 6th century CE. It is a sequel to the earlier work Silappatikaram and follows the life of Manimekalai, the daughter of Kannagi and Kovalan. The poem explores themes of love, morality, and spirituality, highlighting the importance of compassion and the pursuit of knowledge. The narrative is set in the ancient city of Madurai and incorporates elements of Buddhist philosophy. Manimekalai is portrayed as a strong and independent woman who becomes a Buddhist nun, advocating for social justice and the welfare of the marginalized. The epic is celebrated for its rich literary style and cultural significance in Tamil literature.