Shiva Temples of Tamilnadu

Temple Puranic History

Temple Glory

This temple is glorified in the Thevaram hymns of the Tevara Moovar—Appar, Tirugnanasambandar, and Sundarar—attesting to its great antiquity and spiritual importance. The presiding deity, Chotruthurai Nathar, is revered as the compassionate deiy who relieved the hunger of His devotees by providing them with food, a divine act that gave the temple its name, Tiruchotruthurai, meaning “the sacred place where food was bestowed.” Beyond satisfying physical hunger, the deity is also believed to grant spiritual nourishment and liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth. The temple holds a special place in Shaivite tradition as the second most significant sannidhi after Kashi to be associated with the divine Akshaya Patra, the inexhaustible vessel granted by Shiva to a devoted follower, from which food could be drawn endlessly. Owing to this unique distinction, the temple is counted among the revered Saptha Sthana temples of Thiruvaiyaru and is also honored as Dakshina Kailasam, the Southern Kailash. The sanctity of the temple is further enhanced by the worship offered here by Brahma, Vishnu, Indra, Sage Gautama, and Surya. Another noteworthy feature of the temple is the position of Goddess Annapoorani’s shrine to the right of the main sanctum, a characteristic traditionally associated with 'Thirumana Sthalam', temples believed to bestow marital harmony and blessings. This unique arrangement further strengthens Tiruchotruthurai’s reputation as a sacred destination for devotees seeking prosperity, fulfillment, and auspicious family life.

The Blessing of the Akshaya Patra

Long ago, the region around Tiruchotruthurai was struck by a harsh famine. People suffered terribly, tormented by hunger and despair. Among them lived Arulalar, a devout Shaivite who dedicated his life to the service of the ChotruthuraiNathar. Even he was not spared by the famine's cruelty, and he too suffered hunger alongside his fellow villagers. Unable to bear the sight of devotees starving, Arulalar turned to the deity of Tiruchotruthurai in heartfelt prayer, asking if it was fair to watch his children perish from hunger. At that very moment, dark clouds gathered above, and rain began to pour down upon the parched land. Floodwaters rose swiftly, sweeping through the village. Amidst the swirling waters, a mysterious vessel drifted towards Arulalar. Moved by divine intuition, he lifted the vessel from the water. Just then, a voice echoed from the sanctum, declaring it to be an Akshaya Patra, an inexhaustible vessel that would never empty no matter how much was drawn from it, and urging him to use it to feed everyone and relieve their suffering. With boundless devotion, Arulalar accepted this divine gift. He began to serve steaming rice, fragrant ghee, and rich curry to the people, and true to the divine's word, the vessel never ran dry. Hunger vanished, and life returned to the village. In honor of Arulalar's faith and compassion, and his wife's devoted support, their stone images can still be seen today, standing humbly outside the Artha Mandapa, the hall preceding the sanctum, silently blessing all who come to this sacred place.

Living Legacy

The legacy of a place often endures through generations. In Tiruchotruthurai, a local family continues this tradition by providing meals to temple visitors, embodying warmth and hospitality. Regardless of the hour, guests are welcomed to share a meal in their home, reflecting the spirit of the community surrounding the temple dedicated to Goddess Annapurni. With her blessings, this devoted couple upholds the cherished legacy of Arulalar, ensuring that the essence of generosity remains alive. Visitors may seek guidance from the temple priest for the whereabouts of the residence.