What is "ottakoothar"

Ottakoothar was a Tamil court poet to three legendary early Chola kings, namely Vikrama Chola, Kulotunga II and Rajaraja II. He wrote poems in praise of these three kings, namely Vikrama Cholan Ula, Kulothunga Cholan Ula and Rajarajan Ula.

The poet's memorial is believed to be still in a place known as "Darasuram in Kumbakonam", just opposite to the famous Airavatesvara Temple. According to legend, the goddess Saraswati blessed him in Koothanur, then he became a famous poet.