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

However, as a travelling minstrel of a low caste, he was allowed to enter the temples and sang and played hymns to Shiva on the yazh, outside the entrance of the shrine.

In a dream, Shiva ordered the Brahmin priests to bring him inside the shrine as he wanted to listen to Yazhpanar's yazh.

A heavenly voice suggested that the Nayanar be a given a golden seat, so that the yazh is not placed on the wet temple floor.

As ordered, a golden seat was presented to the Nayanar, who stood on it and sang the Lord's glories, playing his yazh.

Impressed by Sambandar's devotion, Yazhpanar asked him permission to accompany him and set tune to Sambadar's hymns to Shiva.

Ultimately, Sambandar composed an hymn devoted to Shiva's son Ganesha, which Yazhpanar could not play on the yazh to his satisfaction.

[3] On a visit to the Brahmin Nayanar Tiruneelanakka, the caste-conscious host was uneasy inviting the Shudra (low-caste) couple of Tiru Nilakanta Yazhpanar and his wife home.

Then Sambandar, his bride and all the wedding guests, including Tiru Nilakanta Yazhpanar merged in the Light of Shiva.

[7] Tiru Nilakanta Yazhpanar is worshipped in the Tamil month of Vaikasi, when the moon enters the Mula nakshatra (lunar mansion).