Kodangipatti Chitra Puthra Nayanar Temple, Theni

Address

Sri Chitra Puthra Nayanar Temple,

Kodangipatti – 625 582,

Theni district.

Phone: +91-99944 98109, 94865 76529

Moolavar

Chitra Gupta

Amman

Prabhavati

Introduction

Kodangipatti Chitraputhira Nayanar Temple is located on the banks of the Kottakudi River at Teerthathotti, along the Theni–Bodinayakanur Road in Theni district. Around 600 years ago, a prominent person from the village of Kodangipatti, near Teerthathotti, was suffering from ill health. While praying to Chitraputhira Nayanar with deep faith, his health was restored. In gratitude for this divine intervention, he consecrated an idol of Chitraputhira Nayanar at this location and built a temple in his honor.

Puranic Significance 

According to the Sastras, Lord Shiva observes and monitors the deeds of all beings on Earth and keeps an account of them. Wishing to appoint a divine being for this sacred duty, Lord Shiva glanced at Mother Shakti, who instantly understood his divine intention. In response, she drew a picture (Chithiram). Lord Shiva and Mother Shakti then infused life into the picture, and thus Chitra Gupta was born.

Beliefs

Being the deity associated with the serpent planet Ketu, Chitra Gupta is worshipped for relief from the adverse effects of this planet. On Chitra Poornima, women observe a special fast by taking food without salt, praying for longevity and well-being.

Special Features

He was reborn from the divine cow Kamadhenu during the month of Chithirai (April–May), on the day of the Chithirai star and Poornima (full moon). As he was originally born from a Chithiram and was reborn in the Chithirai month on the Chithirai star day, he came to be known as Chithra Puthran. However, he is more popularly known as Chitra Gupta.

He was raised by Indira’s consort, Indirani. A staunch devotee of Lord Shiva, Chitra Gupta was blessed with Gnana Dhrishti to observe and understand the actions of all living beings. Impressed by his devotion and wisdom, Lord Shiva appointed him to maintain a precise account of the deeds and character of every being.

It is believed that taking an oil bath on Chitra Poornima day helps reduce the consequences of sins, as Chitra Gupta grants forgiveness for past misdeeds on this sacred occasion. Since he is believed to have been born from the womb of a divine cow on Chitra Poornima, people avoid consuming cow-based products such as milk, curd, and ghee on this day out of reverence.

A shrine for his consort Prabhavati is also present in the temple. On this auspicious day, devotees clean the entrances of their homes, decorate them with rangolis, and chant slokas in praise of Chitra Gupta. It is believed that he visits homes and blesses the devotees with longevity and well-being.

The name Chitra Gupta also carries a deeper meaning: “Chithiram” means wonder, and “Guptam” means secret. As the divine accountant who can perceive even the hidden deeds—both good and bad—of every being, he is rightly praised as Chitra Gupta.

Century/Period

600 Years Old

Nearest Bus Station

Kodangipatti

Nearest Railway Station

Bodinayakanur

Nearest Airport

Madurai

Location on Map

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