The town is currently called Seeyathamangai, Nagapattinam district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

The Ayavantheeswarar temple dedicated to the god Shiva, patron of Shaivism, stands in this town.

Tiruneelanakka was born in a family of Brahmins (priest caste), whose duty was to recite the Vedic scriptures.

The infuriated Brahmin said that she had contaminated the lingam by her saliva, as per Agamic scriptures and she should have removed the spider by some other means.

[3] Having heard of the child saint Sambandar's glories, Tiruneelanakka visited to meet him in person.

The caste-conscious host was uneasy inviting the Shudra (low-caste) couple of Tiru Nilakanta Yazhpanar and his wife home.

After insistence by Sambanar, the host gave them a place to sleep near the homa kunda, the fire altar used for sacrifices.

The fire of homa kunda shone brightly in the night, giving testimony to the couple's devotion.

[3] After a while, Sambandar invited Tiruneelanakka Nayanar to his wedding in Thirumana Nallur (presently known as Achalpuram).

Then Sambandar, his bride and all the wedding guests, including Tiruneelanakka Nayanar merged in the Light of Shiva.

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