Sri Koodal Azhagar Perumal Temple , Thirukkoodal (Madurai)
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📍 Thirukkoodal, Madurai, Tamil Nadu
International SignificanceThe 64th Divya Desam in the heart of Madurai features a magnificent three-tiered Ashtanga Vimanam enshrining Lord Koodal Azhagar in seated, reclining, and standing postures, where Periyalvar sang the Pallandu.
🕒 Practical Information
🕉️ Spiritual Details
Sri Koodal Azhagar (Three Cosmic Postures: Seated, Reclining, Standing)
Ground Floor Moolavar: Sri Koodal Azhagar (Iruntha Kolam / Seated facing East under Ashtanga Vimanam); Middle Floor Moolavar: Sri Surya Narayana / Parangusa Perumal (Kidantha Kolam / Reclining); Top Floor Moolavar: Sri Surya Narayana (Nindra Kolam / Standing); Utsavar: Koodal Azhagar; Thayar: Madhuravalli (Vagulavalli) Thayar; Vimanam: Ashtanga Vimanam; Theertham: Hema Pushkarini, Vaigai; Pratyaksham: Sage Bhrigu, King Malayadhwaja Pandya.
🕉️ Divine Snapshot
Sri Koodal Azhagar (Three Cosmic Postures: Seated, Reclining, Standing)
Koodal Alagar Perumal Koil Street, Pallivasal Ln, near Periyar Bus Stand Road, Periyar, Madurai Main, Madurai, Tamil Nadu 625001
Spiritual Highlights
UNVERIFIED
Lord Vishnu appeared in the sky mounted on Garuda to witness Periyalvar's victory debate, inspiring the saint to spontaneously sing 'Pallandu Pallandu' to avert the evil eye from the Lord.
Climbing the architectural stone steps to worship the three tiers of deities, offering thulasi archana.
UNVERIFIED
About Sri Koodal Azhagar Perumal Temple , Thirukkoodal (Madurai)
Sri Koodal Azhagar Perumal Temple in Thirukkoodal (the historic temple city of Madurai, Tamil Nadu) is the 64th Divya Desam. Celebrated in 2 pasurams by Thirumangai Alvar, it stands adjacent to the Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple as the prime Vaishnava bastion of the ancient Pandya kingdom.
The temple is renowned for its monumental Ashtanga Vimanam, a rare architectural marvel containing three distinct sanctums stacked vertically on three levels, depicting the three cosmic states of Narayana: on the ground floor, Lord Koodal Azhagar sits majestically in Iruntha Kolam with Sridevi and Bhoodevi; on the middle tier, He reclines in Kidantha Kolam as Sri Ranganatha; and on the third tier, He stands in Nindra Kolam as the cosmic ruler. The outer vimanam walls feature intricate stucco figures representing the 108 celestial realms.
According to tradition, when King Vallabhadeva of Madurai held a philosophical assembly to determine the Supreme Ultimate Truth, Periyalvar was summoned by divine inspiration and triumphantly established the supremacy of Sriman Narayana. As the Lord appeared in the sky mounted on Garuda to bless the victory procession, Periyalvar, fearing that the evil eye of the crowd might harm the Lord's beauty, spontaneously sang the immortal protective hymn Thirupallandu ("Pallandu Pallandu Pallaayirathandu...").
Architecture & Heritage
Dravidian Pandya Architecture with Ashtanga Vimanam (Early Pandya dynasty stone structure (8th century CE) with Nayak expansions (16th century CE))
Magnificent Ashtanga Vimanam with octagonal tier structure, sculpted woodwork on upper tiers, Hema Pushkarini, five-tier Rajagopuram.
Ancient stone relief of Periyalvar leading the royal elephant procession in Madurai.
Rituals & Traditions
Six daily kalas per Vaikanasa Agama; access provided to upper architectural tiers during specific daily worship hours.
Masi Magam float festival and the annual Chithirai festival procession alongside Lord Kallazhagar.
Puliyodarai, Pongal, Laddu, Theertham.
Visitor Guidelines
Traditional Hindu dress code: Dhoti/Kurta for men; Saree or Salwar with Dupatta for women.
Ground floor prakaram is flat and fully wheelchair accessible; upper tiers accessed via narrow interior stone staircases.
Frequently Asked Questions
🕉️ Divine Snapshot
Sri Koodal Azhagar (Three Cosmic Postures: Seated, Reclining, Standing)
Madhuravalli (Vagulavalli) Thayar Sannidhi, Surya Narayana Reclining Shrine (Middle Tier), Surya Narayana Standing Shrine (Top Tier), Periyalvar Pallandu Mandapam, Navagrahas (Rare presence in Vaishnava temple), Chakrathazhwar Sannidhi, Sri Ramanuja Sannidhi, Alvars Sannidhi
Koodal Alagar Perumal Koil Street, Pallivasal Ln, near Periyar Bus Stand Road, Periyar, Madurai Main, Madurai, Tamil Nadu 625001
How to Reach
Madurai Airport (IXM) (approx 11 km)
Madurai Junction (MDU) (approx 1 km)
Periyar Bus Stand, Madurai (approx 0.8 km)
