Pallava kings, Simhavishnu, Mahendra Varman and Simhavarman (550-60 CE) followed Jainism, until the advent of Nayanmars and Azhwars in the 6th -7th centuries. Conversion of Mahendravarman I from Jainism to Hinduism under the influence of Appar was the turning point in the religious geography. Later Cholas and Vijayanagara kings were tolerant towards Jainism, leaving traces of Jainism in Kanchi
