The Story of Kotpuli Nayanar

Kotpuli Nayanar was a valiant commander in the Chozha army from the town of Nattiyatthankudi. He was a man of great devotion to Shiva, and he used the wealth he earned from his military victories to provide food offerings in the Lord's temples.

One day, he was called away to battle. Before he left, he created a large stockpile of rice grains, specifically designated for Shiva's service. He strictly warned his relatives that this rice was sacred and under no circumstances should it be used for any other purpose.

While he was away, a severe drought hit the town. His relatives, facing starvation, made the difficult decision to use the sacred grains, intending to replace them later. When Kotpuli Nayanar returned victorious from the battlefield, he discovered what they had done. He was enraged, seeing their act not as a matter of survival, but as a grave betrayal of his trust and a profound sin against Shiva.

He gathered all his relatives at his palace under the pretense of a celebratory feast. However, once they were all assembled, he had them killed with his weapon, punishing them for their transgression against the Lord.

At that moment, Shiva appeared with Parvati on the Holy Bull. The Lord, admiring Kotpuli Nayanar's unflinching sincerity and devotion, informed him that his relatives had been granted a place in heaven. Shiva then took the great devotee to his own blissful abode, recognizing that for Kotpuli Nayanar, devotion to God superseded all family ties.