The life of Apputhi Adigal is described in the Tamil Periya Puranam by Sekkizhar (12th century), which is a hagiography of the 63 Nayanars.

Presently in the Thanjavur district, in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, the village is famous for its Kailasanthar Temple dedicated to Shiva, the patron god of Shaivism.

[4] Appar went to the home of Apputhi Adigal and was welcomed by his host as a devotee of Shiva.

The humble guest indicated that he was the devotee who wrongly converted to another religion, but returned to Shaivism, after being cured by Shiva of colic.

While Apputhi's wife cooked various delicacies, the eldest son (called "eldest Tirunavukkarasu") rushed to the garden to bring a banana leaf (traditionally lunch is served on a banana leaf in Tamil Nadu) for the guest.

The boy rushed with the banana leaf to the house before the poison took effect so as to not delay the feast.

[4] Not to delay the lunch of his guru, Apputhi and his wife hid the corpse and served Appar.

Appar also resided at Apputhi Adigal's home for a few days, before returning to Thirupuvanam.

[7] Images of Apputhi Adigal and his family are worshipped in the Kailasanathar Temple in his native village Thingalur.

[5] Apputhi Adigal is worshipped in the Tamil month of Thai, when the moon enters the Shatabhisha nakshatra (lunar mansion).