[1] The life of Pugal Chola is described in the Periya Puranam by Sekkizhar (12th century), which is a hagiography of the 63 Nayanars.

His primary account in his chapter relates to his death in Karuvur, generally identified as the Indian city of Karur, which is famous for its Pasupateeswarar temple dedicated to Shiva.

Seeing the wailing devotee, Eripatha not only slew the beast, but also its mahout and accompanying guards who failed in their duty to control the elephant.

While the king expected an army who challenged his authority, he saw a lone crusader standing over the elephant.

Pugal Chola alighted from his horse and bowed to the angry Eripatha in reverence and asked about the crime of his elephant and men.

As Eripatha raised the sword to cut his head, the horrified king held his hands to stop him.

As they struggled with the sword to sacrifice their lives, Shiva appeared pleased with their devotion and blessed them.

The king declared war on the vassal and ordered his troops to destroy the enemy fort.

The Chola warriors arrived with the wealth and women from Adigan's city and brought severed heads of their fallen foes as a sign of valour.

He circumambulated the blazing flames, reciting the Panchakshara mantra to placate Shiva and finally plunged into the fire.

A holy day in his honour is observed in the Tamil month of Adi, where the moon enters the Krittika Nakshatra (lunar mansion).