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Lord Nataraja in the name of Thiagaraja performing dance in a sitting form is a very attractive feature feasting the eyes of the devotees. It is also noteworthy that Sage Pattinathar attained Jeeva Samadhi in this place.

This is the place where all the 27 stars worshipped Lord Shiva. The Lord graced them to become Shivalingas. It is believed that those belonging to a particular birth star worship the Shivalinga, would be relieved of any bad aspect occupying them.

Tax exemption. Though terribly aged, king Mandhadan continued to live. Death did not visit him. He wanted to end his life by committing sins and raised the tax rates in his kingdom and sent official circulars to the chieftains under him. Lord Shiva made a correction in his order that the tax hike would not apply to Ottriyur. Knowing this, the king apologized to the Lord. One should not be frustrated under any circumstances is the message, the place teaches all.

There is a great tank outside the temple known as Brahmma Theerthakulam. Even just spilling the water on the head would cleanse the devotee of his/her sins, is the belief. Even without asking for, the place relieves the devotee of sins.

It is also said of this place that the stones scattered here and there are but Shivalingas and the dust the Sacred Ash. Sage Pattinathar attained Jeeva Samadhi in this place.

Lord Nataraja in the name of Thiagaraja appears in a sitting dancing form. 18 types of dances are performed during the Masi Magam festival (February-March) in the temple.

Creator Brahmma, born from the naval of Lord Vishnu began creating the world. He found a city even before He started His creation and wondered who did it. Lord Vishnu told him that was created by Lord Shiva and is called Adipuri meaning the first and oldest city. Lord Vishnu advised His son (Brahmma) to go to Tiruvottriyur and pray to Lord Shiva and then begin his job.

Brahmma came to this place and worshipped Lord Shiva. The Lord ordered the sea to move on (Othi) to facilitate Brahmma?s creation. Hence the place came to be known as Othiyur and in course of time changed to Ottriyur or Tiruvottriyur.

Moolavar: Adipureeswarar

Theertham: Brahmma theertham

Old year:1000-2000 years old

Historical Name: Adipuri

Festivals :

1. Mahasivarathri in Masi (February-March)

2. Tiruvadhirai in Margazhi (December-January) are the festivals celebrated in the temple.

Devotees offer abhishek and cloths (Vastras) to Lord and the Mother.

Do:

Do pray your Ishta Devata before pilgrimage to Temple.
Do contact Temple Devasthanam information centre for enquiry, temple information and for Pooja details etc.
Do reserve your travel and accommodation at Temple well in advance.
Do bath and wear clean clothes before you enter the temple.
Do concentrate on God and Goddess inside the temple.
Do maintain silence and recite Om Namahsivaya or your Istamantram to yourself inside the temple.
Do observe ancient custom and traditions while in Temple.
Do respect religious sentiments at Temple.
Do deposit your offerings in the hundi only.

Don't s:

Do not come to Temple for any purpose other than worshipping of God and Goddess.
Do not smoke at Temple.
Do not consume alcoholic drinks at Temple.
Do not eat non-vegetarian food in the Kshetram.
Do not approach mediators for quick Darshanam. It may cause inconvenient to others.
Do not carry any weapon inside the temple.
Do not wear any head guards like helmets, caps, turbans and hats inside the temple premises.
Do not perform Sastanga Pranama inside the Sanctum Sanctorum.
Do not take much time while performing Sparsa Darshanam to God in Garbhagriha.
Do not buy spurious prasadams from street vendors.
Do not encourage beggars at Temple.
Do not spit or create nuisance in the premises of the temple.