| Description:
Kottaiyur is also known as Vilvaranyam and Herandapuram; this temple is also known as
Kodeeswaram. Tirunavukkarasar has sung the glory of this shrine along with that of Tiruvalanchuzhi. The image above is that of the
Tiruvalanchuzhi temple. Legends: The Shivalingam here is said to have
merged from a castor seed, hence Kottaiyur, Herandapuram;also the Shivalingam is believed
to be composed of several Shivalingam, hence Koteeswarar. Atreya rishi performed penances
here, hence Heranda Munivar. Heranda muni who descended into the Kaveri at Tiruvalanchuzhi, emerged out here, hence the connection
between the shrines. Good deeds committed here are said to multiply severalfold in value.
The Temple: A 60 feet high five tiered gopuram adorns the
entrace of this temple with 2 prakarams. An image of Manu needhi Cholan's episode is seen
near the 2nd gopuram as in Tiruvarur.There is a
separate vimanam for Somaskandar here.
Vinayakar here is Kotivinayakar. Kotivinayakar's image is composed of several
Vinayakars. The Utsava Vinayakar with his consorts resembles that at Tiruvalanchuzhi which is also located close by.
7th century inscriptions are found here in addition to inscriptions dating back
to the 12th century that refer to the Eragaram Tevara Vaippustalam
nearby. |
