According to V R Ramachandra Dikshitar, the title Silappatikāram – also spelled Silappadikaram[21] – is a combination of two words, "silambu" (anklet) and "adikaram" (the story about). It therefore connotes a "story that centers around an anklet".[22] The content and context around that center is elaborate, with Atiyarkkunallar describing it as an epic story told with poetry, music, and drama.[6]