Thiru Kottaru (Thirukkottaram) Sri Iravadeswarar Temple, Thiruvarur

Deity: Sri Iraavadeswarar, Amman: Sri Vandamar Poonguzhali Ammai, Sri Sugantha Kunthalambigai
Temple Address: Thiru Kottaru (Thirukkottaram) Sri Iravadeswarar Temple, Thirukkottaram Post, Nedungadu Via, Nannilam Taluk, Thiruvarur District Tamil Nadu – 609603. Tele: +91 - 4368 - 261 447.
Open between: 06:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 04:00 AM to 08:30 AM

Introduction

One of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams
53rd Shiva Sthalam on the Southern bank of the Cauvery River in Chozha Nadu (Thenkarai)
Presiding Deity: Lord Shiva as a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested)
Temple Structure:
- Faces east
- 3-tiered Rajagopuram (main tower)
- Single corridor
Recent Kumbabishekams (Consecration Ceremonies):
- 2009 (latest)
- 1987
- 1937
Location:
- Situated on the banks of the Vaanchiyaru River
Historical Significance:
- Built by Chola King Kulothungan
- Referred to as “Rajendra Chozheeswaramudaiya Mahadevar” in stone inscriptions
Sacred Elements:
- Theertham (Holy Water): Surya Theertham & Vaanchiyaru River
- Sthala Vriksham (Sacred Tree): Parijatha Tree / Vilwam Tree

Puranic Significance

Temple History & Administration:
- Situated on the banks of the Vaanchiyaru River
- Built by Chola King Kulothungan
- Mentioned in inscriptions as “Rajendra Chozheeswaramudaiya Mahadevar”
- Currently under the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE) Board of Tamil Nadu Government
- Poor maintenance:
  - Main tower and sanctum towers overgrown with weeds
  - Temple corridors filled with shrubs
Legends Associated with the Temple:1. Curse & Redemption of Iraavadam (Lord Indra’s Elephant)
- Iraavadam, the white elephant of Lord Indra, disrespected Sage Durvasa
- Incident:
  - Sage Durvasa offered a lotus flower to Indra after his worship in Kasi
  - Indra placed it on Iraavadam, who threw it on the ground
  - Enraged, Sage Durvasa cursed Iraavadam to become an ordinary wild elephant
- Seeking Relief from the Curse:
  - Iraavadam visited multiple Shiva temples, including Kottaram
  - Created the river “Kottaru” (Vaanchiyaru) by striking the clouds with his tusk
  - Worshipped Lord Shiva with water from Kottaru
  - Name origin:
    - “Kotu” (Tamil) = Tusk
    - “Aru” (Tamil) = River
  - Final redemption at Sri Sundareswarar Temple, Madurai
2. Sage Subhaka Maharishi & the Beehive Miracle
- Daily Worship at the Temple:
  - Sage Subhaka Maharishi used to visit the temple every day
  - One day, he arrived late, and the temple doors were closed
- Divine Transformation:
  - He took the form of a honey bee
  - Entered the temple and worshipped Lord Shiva
  - Stayed back inside the sanctum as a bee
- Beehive Significance:
  - A permanent beehive remains inside the sanctum wall
  - Sage Subhaka Maharishi’s idol is in the temple corridor
Other Worshippers of Lord Shiva at this Temple:
- Iraavadam (Indra’s Elephant)
- Lord Indra
- Sage Agasthiyar
- Sage Subhaka Maharishi

Beliefs

It is believed that those seeking wedding boon can pray to the lord here. Devotees also worship Lord Shiva of this temple for prosperity and wisdom.

Special Features

Deities in the Temple Corridors:
- Lords & Saints:
  - Bala Vinayakar (Ganesha)
  - Murugan with Valli & Deivanai
  - Dakshinamurthy (Guru form of Shiva)
  - Brahma & Vishnu
  - Saint Thirugnanasambanthar, Saint Appar, and Saint Sundaramurthy Nayanar with Paravai Nachiyar
- Other Deities:
  - Sarba Rajan (Nagar) – Serpent deity
  - Agasthiyeswarar (Shiva worshipped by Sage Agasthya)
  - Subhaka Maharishi
  - Kailasanathar
  - Mahalakshmi (Goddess of wealth)
  - Durgai (Durga), Chandikeswarar, Bairavar (Bhairava)
  - Suryan (Sun God) & Chandran (Moon God)
  - Navagraham (Nine Planets)
Unique Temple Structures & Rituals:
- Two Pali Peedams (Sacrificial Platforms):
  - One in front of Nandi
  - Another behind Nandi
- Separate Shrine for Lord Kumara Bhuvaneswarar:
  - West-facing Shivlingam
  - Worshipped by Sage Agasthiyar, Sage Subhaka Maharishi, and Kumarabhuvana Thevar
Procession Idols & Beehive Ritual:
- All Utsava Murthis (procession idols) are kept at a different location for safety.
- Beehive Miracle:
  - Earlier, honey was taken from a natural beehive in the sanctum for “Abhishekam”
  - This beehive is no longer present.
Literary Significance:
- Saint Thirugnanasambanthar’s hymns mention:
  - The worship of Iraavadam (Indra’s elephant)
  - The river created by Iraavadam (Kottaru / Vaanchiyaru)

Festivals

The important festivals celebrated in this temple are – Visaakam in the Tamil month of Vaikaasi (May-June) and Thiruvadhirai in the Tamil month of Markazhi (Dec-Jan). Pradosham is also observed regularly.