Ashta Bhairava Invocation to 8 Fierce Forms of Shiva Helps Remove Obstacles, Master Time, Manifest Material Goals & Attain Fame, Power & Status JOIN NOW

Koodal Azhagar Temple in Madurai

Click the 'Play' button to read out loud this webpage content

Introduction

Koodal Azhagar Temple is a famous place of worship of Lord Vishnu that belongs to the ancient city of Madurai in Tamil Nadu state. This is also a Divyadesam, the sacred abode of Vishnu eulogized by the celebrated Azhwar saints, in their hymns. The presiding deity is Koodal Azhagar, and his consort is Goddess Mathuravalli. The Tamil word Koodal refers to the Madurai city, and Azhagar is a handsome person, and so the Lord remains as the good-looking person of Madurai Koodal Azhagar temple remains an important shrine of Madurai and a prominent Divyadesam that attracts pilgrims all-round the year.

Temple Legends

Koodal Azhagar Temple

It is said that Koodal Azhagar appeared here to destroy Somuka, the demon who decamped with all the sacred Vedas. And the legend, too, has an interesting tale to tell about the Lord.

Once King Vallabhadeva was ruling Madurai, and he used to go around his city in disguise, to learn about the condition and feelings of the people. While he was on his rounds, he met a scholar who declared that the prime goal of life is to ‘collect provisions during summer and save for the winter.’ On the face of it, this seemed to mean that one should earn when young and save for old age. But the king was not convinced by this interpretation, felt that this statement carried a more profound meaning, and announced a competition in this regard. Vishnuchittar of Srivilliputhur, as directed by Lord Vishnu, established that Vishnu or Narayana is the ultimate refuge, and attaining his feet is the only means for salvation. Overjoyed with this explanation, the king hailed Vishnuchittar and gifted him with a bag full of gold coins. Vishnu, too appeared to greet Vishnuchittar on his accomplishment, and an overwhelmed Vishnuchittar sang hymns in his praise. It is said that this temple stands in the place where the Lord appeared for Vishnuchittar, who subsequently came to be hailed as Periyazhwar and counted among the great Azhwar saints. It is said that Periazhwar built the imposing Srivilliputhur temple tower, with the wealth he thus got.

The History and Architecture of Koodal Azhagar Temple, Madurai

This ancient temple was believed to have been constructed in the 8th century CE or even earlier, possibly by the Pandian kings and later patronized by the Nayak rulers. The temple spread across 2 acres, is enclosed within massive granite walls, and has a five-tiered Rajagopuram, the main tower. Lord Koodal Azhagar is enshrined in the sanctum sanctorum. His 6 feet tall impressive image, can be worshipped in a seated position and is flanked by his consorts, Sridevi and Bhudevi. Ashtanga Vimanam, the picturesque octagonal tower with 8 sides, stands majestically above the main shrine, and the Lord in his standing and reclining postures can be worshipped in this tower itself. This Vimana is believed to have built by none other than Vishwakarma, the divine architect. There are separate shrines for Mathuravalli Thayar, Goddess Andal, Lakshmi Narasimha, Sudarshana Chakra, Krishna, Lord Hanuman, and Navagrahas, and also for the Azhwars, and saint Ramanuja. The temple tank is outside the temple premises.

Temple Festivals

The Brahmotsavam festival is celebrated annually for 14 days during the month of Vaikasi (May-June) with great piety and enthusiasm. The deity is taken around the temple in grand processions in various mounts, during this period.

Benefits of worshipping Lord Koodal Azhagar

Lord Koodal Azhagar can bless his devotees with material welfare, happiness, and also spiritual advancement. People who seek growth in their vocation, or a change for the better, and those who want to acquire or build new properties also worship the Lord in this temple. It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi can protect people like a mother and fill their lives with wealth, through her grace.

How to reach Koodal Azhagar Temple, Madurai
By Air

Madurai airport is just about ten kilometers from the temple.

By Rail

Madurai is very well connected with almost all parts of the country, and Madurai Junction, the railway station is near the temple.

By Road

The temple is in a prominent place in the heart of the Madurai city and can be reached easily by government and private buses, taxis, autos, etc.

If you wish to have customized spiritual tours or pilgrimages arranged in India for yourself or for a group of people, please contact Brindavan Mystic Services

Email ID: support@brindavanmystic.com

Toll free: 1800 102 9098