If there is a sthalam in and around Chennai that can claim to be truly ancient, it is Tiruvottriyur. The very kshetra name— Adipuri, testifies to its age. The name Ottriyur is said to have come about because of the fact that its exalted status ensured that it was exempt from taxes (variyilirundu otri vaikka pattu— in Tamil) during ancient times. Located beyond Royapuram, Tiruvottriyur till recently had all the hallmarks of a peaceful village. But now it has changed beyond all recognition and has rapidly been absorbed in ever growing Chennai.

Locating the temple is not all that easy. You keep driving along Tiruvottriyur High Road asking passers-by for directions. Fortunately, everyone has heard of the temple and knows the direction in which it is located. You are advised to keep going straight and then turn left. But as to which left, nobody is quite sure. Finally just as you are running out of patience, you are told you are in Tiruvottriyur and the next left will take you to the temple.

The temple has an enormous tank belonging to it, called the Brahma Teertham. Today it is completely devoid of water. In order to keep the tank clean from those who answer nature's calls only in natural surroundings, a high wall has been erected all around, cutting it off from view, The entrance to the temple but at one time it must have been a lovely sight. The wall has unfortunately had to bear the brunt of the "naturalists".