[2] Sirappuli Nayanar was born in Thiruvakkur (Akkur/Aakkoor), Nagapattinam district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

Sirappuli's family was traditionally associated with memorizing and chanting the Vedas, one of Hinduism's most sacred scriptures.

He spent his days serving Shiva and his devotees, and finally attained his divine abode Kailash after death.

[2][3][4] The 13th-century Telugu Basava Purana of Palkuriki Somanatha retells the legend of Sirappuli (called Cirupuli in the account) in brief and with some variation.

Though calling Japa the simplest form of worship, Sivananda exalts it the "highest Yoga" and preaches that one should always recall the name of God, as the great saint did.

Some versions of the legend replace Sirappuli with the Chola king and Nayanar Kocengannan, who is credited as the builder of the temple.

Sirappuli is depicted as a Brahmin, identified by his yagnopavita (sacred thread), giving away gifts to two individuals.

[9] Sirappuli Nayanar is worshipped in the Tamil month of Karthikai, when the moon enters the Pūrva Ashādhā nakshatra (lunar mansion).