Sri Kodeeswarar Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, and it is situated in Kottaiyur village, located nearby Kumbakonam, Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu. In this temple, Lord Shiva is worshipped as Koteeswarar and his consort Ma Parvathi is worshipped as Ma Pandhadu Nayaki. This temple is praised in the Shaivite Text, Tevaram, which was written by the famous Nayanmar Saints.
The temple is constructed in a nice manner, and the temple pujas were done regularly, and festivals like Tiruvathirai, Shivaratri and Panguni Uthiram are considered as the chief festivals. The temple is controlled by the Government of Tamil Nadu.
As per legend, once there was a prince, whose name was Suruchi, has become a devil due to a curse. On seeing his ugly form, the people in his kingdom began to distance themselves from him. Due to his pitiable condition, Suruchi prayed to Lord Shiva and as per his advice, he came to the present place of Sri Kodeeswara Temple, worshipped Lord Shiva, and regained his original form. This temple Amman is called as Pandhadu Nayagi, since she is believed to remove the curses of her devotees, and would grant good fortunes to them. Here Lord Shiva is praised by reciting his ten million names, also known as Koti, and hence, he got the name Koteeswarar at this temple.
It is also believed that ancient Shaivite saints worshipped Lord Shiva at this temple, by adorning him Koti Vilva leaves. Beautiful images of Lord Dakshinamurthy, Ma Devi Durga and shrines of Vinayaka, Muruga, Navagrahas and Chandikeswarar are also found inside the temple.
The temple priests perform puja on a daily basis for four times a day. Festivals like kiruthigai, pournami, sathurthi, Navaratri and Shivaratri are the chief festivals celebrated in the temple. This temple is classified as one of the Paadal Petra Sthalams, since the great Shaivite Saint Tirunavukkarasar had sung numerous songs on Lord Shiva at this temple.
The consecration ceremony of the temple was celebrated before few years ago.
“OM NAMAH SHIVAYA”
WRITTEN BY
R.HARISHANKAR