Some of the earliest bhakti movements were led by the Alvars and Nayanaras. They travelled from place to place singing hymns in Tamil in praise of their gods. During their travels, the Alvars and Nayanars identified certain shrines as abodes of their chosen deities. Very often large temples were later built at these sacred places. These developed as centres of pilgrimage. Some historians suggest that the Alvars and Nayanars initiated a movement of protest against the caste system and the dominance of Brahmanas or at least attempted to reform the system.

In South India what was the name of the leaders who were devotees of Shiva?

Nayanars

Some of the earliest bhakti movements (c. sixth century) were led by the Alvars and Nayanars (literally, leaders who were devotees of Shiva).