Thirukodeeswarar Temple

According to legend, it is believed that all 3 crore devas, sages, and angels of Hindu mythology, referred to as “Muppaththu Mukkodi Devarkal” in Tamil, have visited this temple and worshipped Lord Thirukoteeswarar. It is said that the angels attained salvation, or “Sayujya Mukthi,” here.

Lord Thirukoteeswarar emphasised the sacredness of the temple, known as Vedhravana Kshetram, and the Theerthams within it. He described the kshetram as being equal in sanctity to his own body and located on the banks of the Cauvery Theertham. He also highlighted the importance of Sirungothbava Theertham, a tank created by Nandhi using his horns, stating that a dip in it would relieve one of all distress and diseases (“rogam” in Tamil).

Furthermore, the Lord mentioned a comparison between Mount Kailash and Thirukkodikaval. When both were weighed on a balance, Thirukkodikaval was found to be heavier, underscoring its superior significance.

Another legend associated with this temple is that of Saint Haradhathar, who was born into a Vaishnav family in the nearby village of Kanchanur. Despite his Vaishnav roots, he became a devoted follower of Lord Shiva and made it a daily practice to visit seven Shiva temples—Thiruvalankadu, Thiruvavaduthuri, Aduthurai, Thirumangalakkudi, Thirumanthurai, Thirukkodikka, and Kanchanur—before having his dinner.

One evening, after leaving this temple, Haradhathar was caught in heavy rain and found himself lost in the darkness, unable to return to Kanchanur. It is believed that Lord Shiva appeared in the guise of a villager and guided him safely back to his home. Haradhathar, grateful for the assistance, offered the prasad he had received from the Kanchanur temple to the villager. The next day, when he visited this temple again, he was astonished to find the prasad he had given to the villager placed in front of the deity. Realising that the villager was indeed Lord Shiva in disguise, Haradhathar understood the divine nature of his encounter.

1. Legend of the Three Crore Mantras and Their Salvation

 According to legend, the three crore mantras (trikoti mantras) once faced the wrath of the sage Durvasa for being misused, leading to a curse upon them. The mantras came to Thirukodikka (Thirukoteeswarar Temple) to seek redemption from the curse. After chanting the mantras in the presence of Lord Shiva, they were able to free themselves from the curse. This temple is revered because three crore gods also worshipped here, and hence, Lord Shiva is called “Kotiswarar” (Lord of crores), and the town is named “Thirukkodikka.”

1. Durvasa's Curse and the Mantras' Journey to Salvation

 In the "Adi Shiva Rudra Kodi Samhita," the story of the trikoti mantras' path to enlightenment (Sayujya Mukti) is detailed in 33 chapters. The legend says that while performing penance at Vaishnav holy places, including Thiruvenkatamudayan (Venkatesh Perumal) and Thiruchannadi, the mantras were cursed by Durvasa Maharishi for their arrogance. He informed them that salvation cannot be achieved through penance or magical powers but through the grace of Lord Parameswara (Shiva).

 Ignoring Durvasa’s warning, the trikoti mantras continued their penance at various Vaishnav sites, seeking salvation from Lord Narayana. However, at every site, Narayana reminded them that only Lord Shiva could grant them liberation.

1. Narada’s Guidance and Durvasa’s Warning

 Sage Narada also appeared and emphasised that Sayujya Mukti could only be attained through the grace of Parameswara and serving the Guru. However, the trikoti mantras scorned him as well, leading Narada to predict that they would be reborn as Brahmins for a hundred lives before they could finally achieve salvation.

1. Veerabhatra's Advice and Penance at Thirukkodikka

 Following Narada’s advice, the trikoti mantras reached Thirukkodikka, which was renowned for its sacred theerthams (holy water bodies), including the Chirungodbhava Theertham created by Nandi’s horns. Here, they worshipped Lord Thirukoteeswarar and performed penance for a year. Sri Narayana himself performed the Ashvamedha Yagya and requested Lord Shiva to grant the trikoti mantras salvation.

1. Ganapati’s Intervention and Final Salvation

 Durvasa and Sage Narada, sensing the mantras' pride had not fully diminished, sought Ganapati’s intervention to create obstacles in their path. During one such incident, Ganapati caused the river Kaveri to flood the area where the trikoti mantras were meditating, leading to their near destruction. Eventually, the trikoti mantras repented, and after receiving the teachings of Sage Agastya, they were able to worship Lord Shiva properly.

Finally, the trikoti mantras attained Sayujya Mukti when a divine flame emerged from the sacred waters of Chirungodbhava Theertham, symbolising their union with Lord Shiva.

1. Thirukoteeswarar’s Supreme Glory

 The legend concludes with Lord Thirukoteeswarar proclaiming the greatness of Thirukkodikka, stating that it is more sacred than even Mount Kailasa. A unique feature of this temple is that it is located on the banks of the Uthravahini (upstream flow) of the river Cauvery, where all sins can be washed away by taking a dip on a Sunday morning during the month of Kartika.

1. Azhwars' Encounter with Sri Tripurasundari Ambal

 The Azhwars, devout saints, went to Tirupati for the darshan of Lord Venkatajalapathi. However, the Lord did not grant them a vision but instead directed them to visit Sri Tripurasundari Ambal at Thirukotika. He declared that she would bless them with the vision they sought.

 Following the Lord's command, the Azhwars eagerly set out for Thirukotika. Upon arrival, they were met with a swollen and impassable Cauvery River. As they struggled to cross, Sage Agathiyar appeared and advised them to pray to Lord Ganesha. After their prayers, the flood waters subsided, allowing the Azhwars to safely cross the river.

 Upon entering the temple, Sri Tripurasundari Ambal gave them a divine vision in the form of Venkatajalapathi, fulfilling their wishes.

2. Durvasa Maharishi’s Vision of Ambal

 Another legend tells of Durvasa Maharishi's experience with Ambal. He had visited Parijatha Vaneswarar at Dakshina Chidambaram before arriving at Thirukotika to seek the darshan of Sri Thirukodeeswarar.

 Durvasa’s journey connects to the story of Bhrungi Maharishi, who worshipped only Lord Shiva, believing Shiva alone to be supreme, and ignored Shakti (Parvati). Enraged, Parvati rendered Bhrungi legless. Undeterred, Bhrungi prayed to Shiva, who granted him a third leg so he could continue circumambulating only Shiva. This further angered Parvati, who made Bhrungi completely immobile. Bhrungi then took the form of a beetle and circled only Shiva.

 In response, Shiva united with Parvati to become Ardha Nareeswara, making it impossible for Bhrungi to worship one without acknowledging the other. Eventually, Bhrungi realised the unity of Shiva and Shakti and achieved enlightenment.

When Durvasa arrived at Thirukotika, Ambal, fearing that Durvasa might repeat Bhrungi's mistake of separating Shiva and Shakti, appeared before him along with Sri Thirukodeeswarar, granting him a vision of their unity.