Peethambaran was born on 1939 December 2, at Vilayil house in Thonnakkal, Chirayinkeezhu taluk in present-day Thiruvananthapuram District to ayurvedic physician P. Ramakrishnan Vaidyan and G. Thankamma.[1] Pirappankode Kunjan Pillai was his first Guru. After studying for a while under Oyur Kochugovinda Pillai, he joined Tripunithura RLV college.[1] His achievements as a Kathakali actor are due to the sincere discipline of Kalamandalam Krishnan Nair.[1]
An expert in both Pacha and Kathi roles in kathakali, his Kathi roles as Duryodhana, Kichaka and Ravana characters in the stories of Duryodhana Vadham, Uttarasvayamvaram and Nizhal kuthu are famous.[1] He has performed in many stages in India and also in foreign countries like Italy, Rome, France, England, Iran and Spain and has participated in the Edinburgh Festival.[2] He directed and performed in Veluthampi Dalavaaattakatha written by K. N. Gopala Pillai.[2] Peethambaran also served as the Founder Secretary of Kollam Kathakali Club and President of the All Kerala Kathakali Club.[2]