Shri Airawateshwarar Temple at Thirukottaram

This Shiva temple is situated at about 12 kms from Karaikkal on Karaikkal-Kumbhakonam route, 28 kms from Mayiladuthurai, 48 kms from Kumbhakonam, 12 kms from Peralam, about 36 kms from Thiruvarur and 10 kms from Thirunallar. This is one of 276 Padal Petra Sthalam on the southern bank of river Kaveri (on the bank of river Vaanchiyaru – a tributary of Kaveri). The present temple structure was built by Chola king Kulothungan and is about 1300 years old. This temple was praised by Shaiva Saint Sambandhar, hence must have existed even before the 7th century. There are stone inscriptions that give an account of endowments and work done by Chola kings, Pandya kings and Nattukottai Chettiar.

Moolavar: Shri Airawateshwarar
Devi: Shri Sugandhakundalambika, Shri Vandarpoonguzhali
Sthala Vruksha: Parijaat tree, Bilva.
Sacred Theertha: Surya Theertha, Vanchiaaru

Kshetra Puran: 

1. Once Lord Indra’s elephant Airavat was cursed by Sage Durvasa to become an ordinary white elephant. To seek relief from the curse, the elephant visited many Shiva temples. When he visited this place, he created the river Kottaru by striking the cloud with his tusk. He worshiped Lord Shiva with water from this river (In Tamil Kotu means tusk, Aru means river). Hence the place got the name Kottaru and Lord Shiva was praised as Shri Airavateshwarar. At present the river is known as Vaanchiaru. After worshiping Lord Shiva at various Shiva temples, finally Aairavat was relieved of the curse at Madurai. 

2. According to Kshetra puran sage named Subaka Maharshi used to visit this temple daily. One day he reached the temple very late and found the doors closed. It is believed that he took the form of a honey bee and entered the temple. He worshiped the Lord and stayed back inside the temple. Since then a beehive is found on the wall of the sanctum. 

Those who worshiped here: 

Lord Indra, Elephant Airavat, Sage Agastya, Sage Subaka Maharshi

Special Features: 

1. It is said that honey from the beehive is used for abhishek every year.

2. Indra’s mount Airavat worshiped at this temple.

3. It is believed that the sacred theertha was created by Airavat.

About the temple:

This is an east facing temple with a 3 tiered Rajagopuram having a single parikrama. Dhwajastambha, Nandi and two Balipeeth are at the entrance, one Balipeeth is in front of Nandi and the other at the back. Sanctum-Sanctorum consists of Sanctum, Antarala, Ardha-mandap and Mukha-mandap. There is a beehive in the Sanctorum. At the entrance of the Sanctum, there are stucco images of Dwarapals. In the Mukha-mandap, there are two Nandis. The Shiva linga is a Swayambhoo Linga. There is a small idol of Shaiva Saint Sambadhar. At the entrance, we have Dhwajastambha and Lord Dwaar Ganapati. In front of Dhwajastambha in a mandap, we come across a sculpture of Lord Shiva as Lord Kailashnathar. On the left side we come across the idol of Lord BaalGanesha. In an arch shaped mandap, with pillars and roof we find Nandi facing the Lord in the main sanctum. 

Koshta murtis: Lord Dakshinamurti, Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu. 

In the Maha-mandap, we come across the shrines of Lord Nataraj and Goddess Shivagami, Lord Muruga and Lord Somaskandha. In the Northwest corner of Ardha-mandap we come across the Utsav Murti Goddess Bogashakti . At the end of the Ardha-mandap we find the sculpture of Lord BaalGanapati and Lord Naagaraja (Serpent king). There is a separate shrine for Lord Kumarbhuvaneshwarar and Shiva lingas installed by Sage Agastya and Sage Subhakamuni. In the parikrama we find the shrines and idols of Shaiva Saints Naalvar, Lord Bhairava, Lord Surya, Lord Chandra, Lord Ganesha, Lord Thirumal (Lord Vishnu), Lord Kailashnathar, Sage Subhakamuni, Lord Naagaraja, Lord Subramanya, Goddess Gajalakshmi and Lord Chandikeshwarar. In a separate west facing shrine, there is an idol of Lord Kaalbhairava worshiped by Sage Agastya and Sage Subhakamuni. On the right side of Nandi-mandap, we come across the shrine of Goddess Ambika in standing posture.

Prayers: 

1. People worship here for child boon, removal of marriage obstacles and education.

2. Devotees worship here for prosperity and wisdom.

Pooja: Only once in a day and Pradosha pooja.

Festivals:

Usual festivals celebrated in Shiva temples.

Timings: 7 to 11.30 am, 6 pm to 8.30 pm

Address: 

Shri Airawateshwarar temple,
At-Post: Thirukottaram, via Nedungadu, 
Taluka Nannilam, 
District Thiruvarur, 
TN 609603

Phone Number: +91-4368261447

Contact number of temple priest – Shriram Gurukkal 8903888174; Shri Madhu Gurukkal 7502212319

(contact the temple priest before going to the place)

Courtesy: Various websites and blogs