Padmanābhan was born in his mother's ancestral home named Kaavil near Panayannaarkavu, close to the town of Mannar in Central Travancore in 1869 (Malayalam year Kumbhom 27, 1044).

He is a man of letters who dedicated his life not only for the literary work but also for his community (Ezhava) and the state (Kerala) as a whole.

His major works include: "Nalacharitham", "Krishnarjuna Vijayam", "Kiratham" ("Ammanappattukal"), "Asannamarana Chintha Sathakom" (a poem that won a Bhashaposhini award), "Krishanrjuna Vijayam", "Kuchelavrutham" (Katha Kali literature), "Kokila Sandesam", "Avasarokthimala", "Theendal Gadha", "Moonnu Tharattukal", "Kavithaniroopanam", "Balabodhanam", "Neethisara Samuchyam", "Pooppadappattu", "Kalahamsam" (poems), "Sanmarga Chandrika", "Dharmapadam" (translations), and "Subhadraharanam" (drama).

[3] He was the first editor of the Kerala Kaumudi daily and founder of the 78-year-old Padmanabhodayam English School in the small hamlet of Mezhuveli.

The Government of Travancore nominated him as a member of the Sree Moolam Praja Sabha, the precursor of today's Legislative Assembly.

Mooloor was elected vice-president of the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam in the 25th year of its formation.