Thondaradippodi Alwar was born in a Choliya Brahmin family in Thirumandangudi. The traditional date of his birth is Tuesday, Krishna Paksha, Chaturdasi, Margazhi, Prabhava, in the 28^th year of the Kali Era. He was named Vipranarayana. He was devoted to God Ranganatha of Sriangam. He is regarded as the incarnation of the Tulasi garland of Lord Hari. He had a flower garden in Srirangam and offered garlands daily to the Lord.

Thondaradippodi Alwar was well versed in the Vedic lore. He had intense Vairagya. Ha lived in a hut in his garden and lived upon the Prasad of Lord Ranganatha. He sang the glory of the Lord.

Thondaradippodi Alwar lived for 105 years at Srirangam and then attained the abode of Lord Hari. His beautiful hymns are Thirumalai and Thiruppalliezhuchi.

Thondaradippodi Alwar and Thirumangai Alwar ware contemporaries; and hence, thondararippodi Alwar also seems to have belonged to the 6^th century A.D.