Pillai did not imbibe or become highly spirituous and was very abstemious in his habits. He did not indulge in any narcotic products such as snuff or tobacco. He was very particular in having his bath only in the warm water. The family joke was that he was the only individual who had a hot water bath even in Kutralam. Perhaps the only time he bathed in the cold water was in the river Ganga at Kasi in 1968.

Pillai would also ensure that the bags of rice from Thanjavur would follow him in all his travels. This would be cooked for all his meals.

These are the secrets of his health that resulted in a wiry frame and because of which he was considered the only nadhaswaram artist without a paunch (large or protruded belly).