Kotpuli

Kotpuli (c. 7th–8th century CE) is one of the 63 Nayanars — a commander of the Chola country remembered in the Periya Puranam for his devoted stewardship of the temple’s grain and his service of Shiva’s shrine.

Background

A general of the Chola line, Kotpuli’s devotion centered on the temples of his country and their servants.

Spiritual Contribution

Counted in Sekkizhar’s hagiography; the tradition remembers his care for the temple’s stores and his observance of the Shaiva disciplines; his nakshatra is kept in the Nayanar liturgical calendar.

Legacy and Impact

His image stands in the temple friezes; his story is read in the annual Periya Puranam observances.

Verification notes

• Canon-membership is documented; narrative details vary among tellings and are not asserted here.
• Audited against the canonical Nayanar list (September 2026).