A TEMPLE CONSIDERED AS THE BADRI OF THE SOUTH

 The Divyadesam Tirukkottiyur (TIRUKOSHTIYUR) is located between Karaikudi and Sivagangai in Tamil Nadu. The presiding deity is Uragamellanaiyan also called SowmyaNarayana Perumal in  a reclining posture. The Goddess is Tirumaamagal Nachiyar. The sacred water is Deva Pushkarini and the sanctum sanctorum is Astanga Vimanam. 

The legend has it that the Devan came in as a congregation (Goshti) to worship the Lord at this kshetram to rid the Universe from the demon Hiranyakasipu. This temple is also considered as the Badri of the South.

This is the shrine where Sri Ramanuja gave the sacred Tirumanthiram to the mankind, from the top of the temple tower, to rid them from rebirth.

This temple is divided  into four levels. The main deity Uragamellanaiyan is found in the reclining posture in response to the prayers of Kadamba Maharishi.

There are shrines for Narasimha portraying "Nindra, Irunda, Kidanba, Nadanda and Kootradiya" kolams. The annual  floating festival during the Tamil month Maasi is an important festival at this kshetram.