Thiru Koodal
Thiru Koodal - Sri Koodal Azhagar Perumal Temple
 |
| Koodalazhagar - file picture |
Thiru Koodal or Koodal Azhagar Temple is in Madurai,Tamil Nadu and is one of the 108 divya desams. It is situated very close to the popular Madurai Meenakshi amman temple.
As per legends, there were floods and the whole area were inundated with heavy rainfall.People prayed to Lord Maha Vishnu, and he sent four big clouds that shielded the area from the rains like a big umbrella.As the clouds gathered here this place became to be known as Thiru Koodal.
Koodal Azhagar temple is situated in a sprawling space and has a five tiered gopuram which is around 125 ft (38mtrs) tall. Historians dates this temple to 3rd century BCE.We can see moolavar Koodal Azhagar in the veetrindha kolam (sitting posture) in the main sannidhi and as you climb to the other tier or floor you can see the Lord as Suryanarayanan in nindra thirukolam (standing posture) and in another tier as Palli Konda Perumal in sayana kolam (reclining posture).
The sannidhi of thayaar Mathuravalli is located to the south of the main sannidhi. There are other sannidhis for Lakshmi Narasimha, Sri Rama, Lakshmi Narayana and Krishna located close to the main sannidhi. The sannidhis of Andal, Narasimhar and Manavala Mamunigal are in the first praharam.The sannidhis of Garuda, Anjaneya, Ramanuja, Vedanta Desika and Azhwars are found in the second praharam. There are Navagrahas in the second praharam which are rare in Vaishana temples. The temple tank is located outside the temple premises.
The Moolavar here is Koodal Azhagar and is found in a veetrindha kolam(sitting posture) facing the east with his consorts Sridevi and Bhoodevi.Moolavar is majestic and is around 6 feet tall from the ground.Utsavar (festival deity) is Vyuga Sundararajar and the idol is 4 ft tall made of panchaloham( alloy of five metals).Prathyaksham for Brihu,Periazhwar.
Thayaar Mathuravalli also known as Vagulavalli,Vargunavalli,Margathavalli.
Mangalaasasanam The temple is revered by the verses of Thirumangaiazhwar,Thirumazhisai azhwar
Temple location The temple is situated in the heart of Madurai city very near to the Periyar bus stand and the Madurai Railway station.
Temple Timings The temple is open from 5:30 AM till 12:00 noon and from 4:00 pm till 9:30 pm
How to reach?
Madurai has an airport connected to most of the cities in India. It has a major Railway station with trains from all over India passing through here.
Where to Stay? There are several budget hotels to luxury hotels in Madurai.
Where to eat Madurai is famous for eateries, especially the South Indian delicacies such as idlis and vadas.There are lot of roadside eateries that is open throughout the night. Use your judgement to find a hygienic place to eat in these 'kai endhi bhavans' ( roadside fast foods).
Other interesting places around Koodal Azhagar temple. Madurai is a city of temples, such as the world famous Madurai Meenakshi amman temple, Pazhamuthir Cholai, Thiruparan kundram both are the temples for Subramanya and two of the six of his abodes (Arupadai veedu) and, another one of the 108 divya desam Alagar Koil etc.
Perumal Koil Sannathi Street,
Near Periyar Bus Stand,
Madurai, Tamil Nadu 625001
Phone: 0452 233 8542
Useful data
State: Tamil Nadu
District:Madurai
Famous for: Pilgrimage, Madurai sungudi sarees
Languages: Tamil,English
Best Season: Throughout the year. Summer( from May to July) could be very sultry when the mercury shoots to 40 degree celsius.
Weather: Summer 33-42°C, Winter 16-28°C
Altitude: Sea level
