Visitor Notice - Due to renovation work taking place in the temple (July-2025), you may feel small stones pricking your feet while walking around the outer prakaram (circumambulatory path).
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. Seek guidance from the temple priest for the whereabouts of the residence.
The Layout - The temple presents a humble entrance, featuring a striking sculpture of Shiva and Parvathy seated on Rishaba Vahana. Nestled along the banks of the Kudamuruti River, the temple is encased within protective walls. Upon entering, one is welcomed into a spacious outer prakaram, which is currently being utilized for renovation activities as of July 2025. A secondary entrance leads to the inner prakaram, where one can find the sacred trio of Kodimaram, Balipeetam, and Nandi. The sanctum, along with the inner prakaram, is also enclosed by walls, creating a distinct separation from the expansive outer prakaram that lies between the outer and inner walls. In the southeast corner of the outer prakaram stands a temple dedicated to the female deity, facing east. Within her sanctum, Oppilla Ammai is depicted in a graceful standing posture, holding an 'Akshaya Patra' in her left hand, and is revered as AnnaPurni. Shiva, known for his generosity, is referred to as Tholaya Selvar, while the goddess, who embodies his essence and bestows blessings, is called Annapoorani. Devotees who worship this goddess with sincerity are believed to be liberated from poverty and illness.
The Mandap located beyond the inner gateway features the Nataraja Sabha on its right side and provides direct access to the sanctum. In the southern section of the Mandap, one can find the east-facing MahaVishnu, while adjacent to the entrance of the Artha Mandap is a sannidhi dedicated to Muruga, which enhances the temple's significance. Further along, the main deity of the temple, Chotru-Thurai-Nathar, resides in an east-facing sanctum. Access to this sanctum is available from the southern side of the outer prakaram.
This sacred site is celebrated in the hymns of Appar, Sambandar, and Sundarar, collectively known as the Tevara Moovar, the three composers of Thevaram hymns. The deity of this temple is recognized for alleviating the hunger of His devotees by providing sustenance, earning Him the title of the One who provides rice. Additionally, He offers liberation (moksha) by liberating souls from the cycle of rebirth. This temple is esteemed as the second most significant site after Kashi (Varanasi) to receive the divine Akshaya Patra, an inexhaustible vessel bestowed by God Shiva upon a devoted follower, which miraculously never empties regardless of the amount of food taken. Consequently, this shrine is included among the Saptha Sthana temples of Thiruvaiyaru and is often referred to as Dakshina Kailasam (Southern Kailash). The name Tiruchotruthurai, meaning "the holy place where food was given," reflects the Deity's role in satisfying the hunger of His devotees. Furthermore, this revered site has been worshipped by various deities and sages, including Brahma, Vishnu, Indra, Sage Gautama, and the Sun God (Surya). Notably, temples where the Goddess's shrine is positioned to the right of the Main sanctum are traditionally recognized as marriage blessing temples (Thirumana Sthalams). In this temple, the shrine of Goddess Annapoorani is indeed located to the right of the main sanctum, reinforcing Tiruchotruthurai's status as a site for marital blessings.
The Blessing of the Akshaya Patra at Tiruchotruthurai - 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: “O God, is it fair to watch your 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 in a whisper: “Arulalar! This is an Akshaya Patra — an inexhaustible vessel. No matter how much you draw from it, it shall never empty. 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. 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.
Entrance
Altar and FlagStaff
View of the temple
Another View
Odhanavaneshwarar
Annapurni
Shanmukha
Vimana
Arulalar Couple