Karuvili Kottittai

Paadal Petra Sthalams, Thiruvarur District

God

Sargunanadeswarar, facing east

Goddess

Sarvanga Nayagi, facing east in a seperate adjacent shrine

Other Deities

Vinayaka, Muruga, Ardhanareeswarar, Dakshinamurthy, Bhairava

Karuvili Kottittai is a large east facing temple with a new 3 tier Rajagopuram at the entrance. A smaller 2 tier Gopuram is also on the same side for the Goddess shrine. Both are interconnected. A very beautifully maintained, clean temple, thanks to the efforts of some affluent and sincere individuals who contributed and raised funds towards the effort. The god and goddess idols are large. Many of the idols here are beautifully carved. There is a large temple tank opposite.

Holy Water (Theertham) – Yama Theertham

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – Not known

History

Karuvili Kottittai has been served by Chola Kings. Stone inscriptions can be seen on the walls and one refers to the temple as ‘Uyyakondan Valanattu Vennattu Kulothunga Chola Nallooraagiya Karuvili Kottittai’. Thirunavukkarasar (7th Century CE) has rendered Thevaram Hymns here for the lord.

Mythology

This is where Lord Shiva is said to have performed a dance known as Kottittai and hence the name of the temple. Indra and Uthiraganathar are believed to have worshiped here.

Directions

Karuvili Kottittai is about 13 kilometers east of Nachiyar Kovil on the Koothanur Road. Take a left at Koonthalur to reach the temple.

Stay and Food

None locally. Kumbakonam is your best option.

Padal Petra Sthalams