Temple Layout and Significance - The temple is historically significant as the site where Lord Shiva conveyed the teachings of the Vedas to the Devas and Sages, leading to the name 'Oththur,' which translates to 'The place of preach.' The prefix 'Tiru' gives rise to the names 'TiruOthur' or 'Tiruvothur.' Situated on the northern banks of the Seyyaru River, the temple spans 5 acres and features a prominent east-facing 'Gopuram' with seven tiers, accompanied by two concentric 'prakaram's. An elongated front enclosure follows the main gateway, leading to a secondary five-tiered tower. Between the two gopurams are the dwajasthambam, nandi, and balipeetam, with the nandi uniquely oriented towards the entrance rather than the deity, symbolically guarding against unworthy entrants to the sacred knowledge of the Vedhas. The presiding deity, known as Vedhapureeswarar, is represented as a self-manifested linga on a square 'Aavudayar' and this site is also associated with Lord Shiva's legendary valorous dance.
'Sthala Vrukahsham' palm tree is seen in the northern side of the outer prakaram. This is one of the five temples which have the palm as their associated sacred tree. The other four are (1) Tirupananthal, (2) Tirupanayur, (3) Tiruvanpaarthan Panankaattur (Tirupanankaadu), (4) Puravar Panankattur. As one traverses the inner prakaram, particularly in the southeastern corner, a remarkable sculpture comes into view, featuring a palm tree alongside a Shiva Linga, with Sambandhar depicted standing adjacent to the Linga. This artistic representation serves as a testament to a significant event that transpired during Tirugyanasambandhar's visit to the temple. Upon his arrival, Sambandhar encountered a devotee responsible for the upkeep of the temple grounds, who had cultivated palm trees within the premises. The caretaker conveyed his dissatisfaction to Sambandhar regarding the trees, lamenting that they were male. In a remarkable turn of events, Sambandhar responded by singing a pathikam, which transformed the male trees into female, fruit-bearing varieties. It is for this reason, palm tree is regarded as a 'Sthala Vrukasham' in this temple.
The inner prakaram also houses other sannidhis:- Vinayaka, Subramanya, Naganathar, Nataraja, 63 Nayanmars, and Saptha Mathas and 'Pancha Bhootha' Lingams. The 'darshan' of these 'Pancha Bhootha' Lingams is as spiritually beneficial as visiting Kancheepuram, Tiruvannamalai, Tiruvanaikka, Chidambaram and Kalahasthi. Vinayaka and Dakshinamurthy adorn the walls around the sanctum as 'goshta murtha's. In addition, the central area of the Maha Mandap offers a distinctive and unparalleled view of the female deity Devi Balakusambikai, along with Vinayaka, Muruga, and the Navagrahas, presenting a configuration that is singular and not replicated in any other location.
The presence of 'NagaLinga' in the inner prakaram adds another layer of significace to this temple. Located to the south of Tiruvothur in an area referred to as 'Punathagaikuttu', a notable event unfolded where the Jains invoked a five-headed serpent from a sacrificial pit with the intent to confront Sambandhar. In a dramatic turn of events, Lord Shiva manifested as a snake charmer, successfully subduing the serpent and guiding Sambandhar into the temple. It is within this sacred space that Lord Shiva established Himself in the form of a Shiva Linga, which is revered as Nagalingam. This particular 'NagaLinga' is believed to possess the ability to alleviate 'Naga Dosha', a condition associated with the influence of serpentine energies in Hindu astrology. The presence of Sani Bhagvan opposite to the NagaLinga is believed to offer solutions for various 'Doshas' when venerated. Lighting a lamp before the Nagalingam on Saturdays during the 'Rahu kala' period can facilitate the marriage of those who are unmarried.
The female deity Balakusambikai is in a separate sanctum surrounded by a prakaramm. Devi is full of grace, in a standing posture with Her four benevolent hands. The river 'Seyaaru' which flows outside the temple and KalyanaKoti Theertha within the temple are the two sacred water bodies associated to this temple. There is also a sannidhi for Aadhi Keshava Perumal within the temple.
The significance and sacredness of this temple are enhanced by the worship of the deity Vedhapureeswarar, performed by Muruga himself. Within the prakaram, to the northwest of the main sanctum, one can find the sannidhi dedicated to Muruga, who is portrayed with twelve divine hands alongside his consorts, oriented towards the east. The esteemed poet Arunagirinathar celebrated this Muruga in his composition, Tirupugazh.
The Pathikam composed by sambandhar, which changed the gender of the trees, is in first Tirumurai
Gopuram, mandapam
Kalyana Koti Theertham
Sthala Vruksham - palmirah
Muruga, Valli, Deivanai
Balipeetam and Nandhi
Stone sculpture of palm tree, Shiva Linga and Sambandhar