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 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 (10 million) Lingas to bless both the Chozha King and Eranda Muni. For this reason, Lord Shiva is worshipped as Kodeeswarar, and Eranda Muni 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 ("Kodi" meaning one crore). Both good and bad actions performed at this temple are believed to be magnified a crore times, symbolizing the challenge of overcoming sins. Revered figures such as Lord Rama, Brahma, Indra, Sage Narada, and Sage Markandeya are said to have worshipped here.

According to the Sthala Purana of Thiruvalanchuzhi, when Adhiseshan emerged from Patala Loka, it created a hole disrupting the flow of the Kaveri River. The Chozha King prayed to Lord Shiva, and Eranda Maharishi meditating under a Castor plant at Kottaiyur sacrificed himself to restore the river’s natural course, later attaining Jeeva Samadhi at Thiruvalampuram.

King Suruchi, cursed to appear disfigured, regained his original form by bathing in the temple’s holy spring at Kottaiyur. This ritual is still followed by devotees, especially women, seeking beauty and divine blessings.

Temple Details

Special Features and Remedies

The temple hosts Kodi Vinayagar (Swayambhu), Navagrahas with their vahanas, and deities like Kodi Murugan and Kodiyamma. It is believed that performing good deeds here multiplies the results by a crore, while sins are similarly magnified. Goddess Pandhadu Nayaki reassures devotees by purging their sins and guiding them toward righteousness. Remedies to overcome karma are also available at this temple.

Festivals

• Thiruvadhirai
• Maha Shivaratri
• Panguni Uthiram
• Puratassi Arrow Festival

How to Reach

Geo Location: 10.966978, 79.3569813

Route from Kumbakonam: Plenty of buses flow to Melacauvery.

Contact

For personalized spiritual tours or pilgrimages in Tamil Nadu, reach out to Tirikala