Kottaiyur Sacred Place to Clear Remaining Karma

This temple is the 98th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and the 44th sthalam on the northern side of the Cauvery River in Chozha Nadu. Appar also composed hymns in praise of Lord Shiva at this temple. The Navagrahas (nine planets) are beautifully depicted here, each with its respective vahana (vehicle). These depictions are particularly captivating, and only a few temples in Tamil Nadu feature such intricate Navagraha shrines.

The name "Kottaiyur" is believed to have originated from the legend that Lord Shiva manifested beneath the Amanakku Kottai plant, or the Castor oil plant, which led to the area being named Kottaiyur. In ancient times, the region was also known as Vilvaranyam and Erandapuram, with "Erandam" referring to the Castor plant in Tamil. It is believed that Lord Shiva appeared in the form of one crore (crore) Lingas to bless both the Chozha King and Eranda Muni. For this reason, Lord Shiva is worshipped as Kodeeswarar. Eranda Muni, who meditated beneath the Castor plant, became known as Eranda Munivar.

Lord Shiva also manifested in front of Pathra Yogi Muni as Kodi Vinayagar, Kodi Ambal, Kodi Murugan, and Kodi Shiva (with "Kodi" meaning one crore). As a result, the deity here is also referred to as Kodeeswarar. It is believed that both good and bad actions performed by individuals at this temple are magnified a crore times, symbolizing the challenge of overcoming sins. Legends also state that revered figures such as Lord Rama, Brahma, Indra, Sage Narada, and Sage Markandeya all worshipped Lord Shiva at this temple.According to the Sthala Purana of Thiruvalanchuzhi, when Adhiseshan emerged from Patala Loka (the underworld), a hole was created through which the Kaveri River had been flowing to Patala Loka. The Chozha King, distressed by this, prayed to Lord Shiva. In response, the Lord spoke through a divine voice (Asariri) and instructed that either the King or a great sage must sacrifice their life by entering the hole, causing the Kaveri River to flow in its original course.

The Chozha King sought guidance and traveled to Kottaiyur, where Eranda Maharishi was meditating under a Castor plant. The King shared his plight, and Eranda Maharishi proceeded to Thiruvalanchuzhi, where he entered the hole. As a result, the Kaveri River resumed its normal flow. Later, Eranda Muni emerged at Thiruvalampuram, where he attained Jeeva Samadhi. A temple dedicated to his Jeeva Samadhi is located at Thiruvalampuram.

Also, King Suruchi, the son of King Satyarathi, ruler of the Tirihartha kingdom, was cursed, resulting in him becoming disfigured and resembling a devil. His appearance frightened people, who would run away at the sight of him. Desperate to regain his former handsome self and win back the affection of those who had rejected him, Suruchi sought a way to restore his beauty. He was advised to go to Kottayur and bathe in its holy spring. After following this guidance, he regained his original appearance. This ritual, particularly followed by women, is believed to enhance one’s beauty.