Kotpuli Nayanar was born in Nattiyattankuti, in the Chola kingdom (Chola Nadu). His home-town is currently known as Tirunattiyattangudi (Nattiyattankudi), Thanjavur district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. He was a Vellalar, a caste of agricultural land owners. He was a great devotee of Lord Shiva, the patron god of Shaivism. He was the commander-in-chief of the Chola army. Over the years, he had become wealthy and used his wealth to donate "hills" of rice in Shiva temples, which were used to prepare Naivedya (food offerings) to the god. He pursued his services for many years. Once when he was called on military duty, he stored piles of rice in his house, which he instructed should be used for the Naivedya, while he was away. He conveyed his orders to all his kinsmen individually.