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Kottaiyur is situated 3Km distance from Kumbakonam in the way to Thirupurampuyam. It is on the southern banks of the river Kollidam.

This is a sacred place offering good progress in education. Sage Markandeya worshipped the Lord here. The Shivalinga was found under castor nuts , hence named Kottayur.

Lord gave darshan to Sage Badri Yogi in 10 million Vinayaka form, 10 million Mother-Goddesses form, 10 Million Lord Muruga form '10 million' one crore. Hence, the Lord is known as Koteeswarar. The nut symbols are visible on the Linga.

Mother Goddess Pandhadu Nayaki (Goddess playing with a ball) is so named as she is tossing a ball under Her feet, indicating that she would toss the sufferings of Her devotees as that of a ball. Sports men and women worship the Goddess to win games and medals.

Spilling the water of the holy spring ' Amudhakinaru ' ensures not only external purity but purifies the mind too, the belief goes. The spring ensures good education and good traits to the devotee.There was a proverb that those placing their feet in Kottayur will become Kattai (dead) meaning that sinners cannot enter this place.

If they do so, their sins multiply to a crore. The benefits of good deeds also would multiply in crores. As many wicked people were afraid to come to the temple, it is said that Goddess Pandhadu Nayaki assured them protection by tossing their sins as a ball and reform them.

Now, many people come here with the obvious aim of seeking the pardon of the Goddess for what they did in the past and lead a righteous life.

Temple Timings:

The temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 12.00a.m. and 3.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.

Temple Festivals:

Panguni Uthiram in March-April, Tiruvadhirai in Margazhi (December-January), Shivrathri in February-March, Arrow festival in Purattasi (September-October) are the important festivals celebrated in the temple.

The temple is praised in the Thevaram hymns of Tirunavukkarasar.In his hymn, Saint Tirunavukkarasar explains the pleasant handsome appearance of Lord Shiva with the sacred ash on his body, riding on his bull vehicle, giving light to all directions.

That Lord is gracing from his high towered Koteeswaram temple in Kottayur. This is the 44th temple praised in Thevaram hymns on the northern bank of Cauvery River.

The Navagrahas are beautifully designed with their respective vahanas-vehicles. They are too enticing to look at. Only a few temples in Tamilnadu have such Navagraha (9 planets) shrines.

Satyarathi was the ruler of Tirihartha kingdom. His son Suruchi incurred a curse and was disfigured as a devil. Anyone seeing him began to run away.

He wanted to attract all those who hated his appearance and worshipped Lord Shiva to get back his handsome face. He was advised to go to Kottayur and have a bath in the holy spring. He regained his handsomeness still better. Mainly, women follow this ritual to become beautiful.

Do's:

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 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.