Arunachala Kavi was born in Tillayadi in Tanjore district. His parents were Nallathambi Pillai and Valliammal. From his boyhood, he had musical and poetic talent and was a Rama bhakta. On the demise of his father, Arunachala settled at Sirkazhi and established contacts with two musicians, Sattanadhapuram Venkatarama Ayyar and Kodandarama Ayyar, who found in Arunachala the genius and sparks of an eminent composer. They encouraged him to compose an opera agreeing to choreograph it. Keeping the 'Kamba Ramayana as his model, he rendered the Ramayana into Tamil kirtanas. It is called the 'Rama-nataka-kirtanai'. This is considered his magnum opus was released in the Ranganatha Shrine at Srirangam He also composed the immortal piece 'En Palli Kondeerayya?' in Mohana raga. Most Bharata natyam dancers have included this song for their recitals. His compositions are popular both on the concert dais and during Bhajans.