Once on the Earth when the Veerashaiva Sect was under threat, Lord Shiva and Parvathi from Heaven (Kailasa) ordered Nandi to go to Sarasipura/Shikapura (the earlier name of Kottur) and protect the innocent people.

Then the Guru asked him to occupy another place called Kodathgudda where Lord Virabhadra Swamy temple is now.

The presence of the Rushi (singer of sacred hymns, also an inspired poet or sage) spread throughout the Sarasipura.

By this incident Nandi who was in a disguise form became famous and people started visiting him to solve their problems.

Devotees from all over Karanataka and other states visit this place during Guru Kottureshwara Theru (Rathothsava) held just before the Maha Shivaratri during February every year.

The Lord Guru Kottureshwara idol is kept inside the Ratha and then he is served milk (Kannada: ಗಿಣ್ಣು-ಹಾಲು) by the tribal people.

It is believed that every year cow or buffalo or goat gives birth to their young ones on this day to this tribal family; the milk which is obtained at this time is served to the Lord.

Later when the ratha starts moving, the devotees offer flower garlands, coconuts and bananas to the Lord Kottureshwara.

Some of the devotees reach Kottur by walking from their native places which is normally called as Padha Yatra (procession).

People from nearby villages serve them food, fruit, juice and medicine on the way as part of their tribute to the Lord Guru Kottureshwara.

Diya are small earthen lamp that is specially lit on Diwali for puja and decoration purposes.