Hailing from Tenali, he earned acclaim as one of the Ashtadiggajas, a group of eight celebrated Telugu poets in Sri Krishnadevaraya's court, and is best known for his sharp wit and humour.

As per popular legend, after being rejected by Vaishnava scholars for being a Shaiva, he wandered aimlessly until he met a sage who advised him to worship the Goddess Kali.

He was one of the Ashtadiggajas, a group of eight celebrated poets in the Vijayanagara court, and became an important figure in Krishnadevaraya's administration, assisting the king in various matters.

Additionally, he composed Udbhataradhya Charitamu, a narrative poem about the Shaiva teacher Udbhata, influenced by the work of Palakuriki Somanatha's Basava Puranam.

Although historical records of his final years are scarce, he is said to have played a significant role in assisting Krishnadevaraya in state matters and was regarded as the king's close friend.