Thirukkoodal : Gateways of Mukthi -Temples of India

Introduction

Koodal Azhagar Temple is a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu situated in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is glorified in the Divya Prabandha, and is one of the 108 Divyadesams. The main deity of the temple is  Koodal Azhagar and his consort is Mathuravalli Thayar. The history of this temple can be traced back to Sangam Period with mentions in Paripadal, Silappadikaram etc addressing the Lord as Thuvarikoman (Lord Dwaraka).

Legend

This temple has a place in all the four yugas, giving the deity the name ‘yugam kanda perumal’. There are mentions of Koodal Alagar in Brahmanda Purana. It is said that the great kings such as Prithu and Malayadwaja worshipped this Lord and received moksha. During Mahapralaya, (the great deluge) Lord Vishnu protected the city by creating 4 wall-like structures thus providing the name, ‘naanmaadakkoodal’ (junction of 4 structures).

As per Vamana Avatara, Vishnu stood up as Trivikrama to measure the skies and his foot reached Brahmaloka. Brahma was glad and performed ablution to the foot and the water flowed to the earth becoming river Ganga. Vaigai (also called Kruthamala) is said to have emerged as a rivulet from Ganga. Koodal Azhagar temple is situated near its banks .

According to another legend, Periazhwar (on of the twelve Alwars) was invited to Madurai at the Pandya King’s court where he established the greatness of Lord through his convincing arguments. As a result, the King honoured the Azhwar by ordering a victory procession. The Lord himself appeared in the form of Koodal Alagar and blessed the Azhwar, who then sang Thirupallandu in the Lord’s praise.

Temple Structure

At the base level the presiding deity Koodalazhagar is seated facing East with Sridevi and Bhudevi present on either side. The festival deity is called Vyuga Sundararajar . The shrine his consort Mathuravalli, is located South of the main shrine.

The structure over the sanctum (vimanam) is a unique construction called the Ashtanga Vimana (8-part structure). The 125 feet tall  vimana is believed to be the work of Vishwakarma, the divine architect. The shadow of the vimana does not fall on the ground. The ashtanga Vimana is found only few temples such as Uthiramerur, Thirukoshtiyur and Cheranmadevi temples.

The Ashtanga construction enables an additional two levels which house two more idols of the Lord. The middle level has a shrine dedicated to Lord as Suryanarayana in the standing posture along with his consorts. The top level has the Lord reclining as Ranganatha.

There are shrines of Lakshmi Narasimha, Rama, Lakshmi Narayana and Krishna located near the base sanctum along with shrines of Andal, Narasimha and Manavala Mamunigal. This is probably the only Vaishnavaite Divyadesam that houses the entire set of Navagraha idols within the premises. Usually Navagrahas are found in Shiva temples only.

Mentions in Sangam Literature

Koodal Azhagar temple finds mention in Sangam literature in works like Madurai Kanchi, Paripadal, Kaliththokai and Silappatikaram. Madurai Kanchi details the Thiruvonam festival celebrated in the temple. Koodal Azhagar temple is revered in Nalayira Divya Prabhandam by Thirumazhisai Alvar and Thirumangai Azhwar. 

Rituals

Four daily rituals and three yearly festivals are held at the temple, of which the fourteen-day annual Brahmotsavam during the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May – June) being the most prominent. In the month of Masi (Feb-Mar) the float festival is celebrated. Other festivals include: Panguni uththiram, Aadippooram, Garuda Sevai in Purattasi (Sep- Oct), and Vaikunta Ekadasi in late December/early January.

Some facts about Koodal Azhagar Temple

Dhivyadesam No.	101
Dhivyadesam Name	Thirukkoodal
Main Deity	Koodalazhagar, Mathuravalli Thayaar
Location	Madurai, Tamil Nadu (Pandiya Nadu)
Architecture Style	Dravidian Style
Temple Age	1000 – 2000 years
Azwars who did Mangalasasanam	Thirumazhisai Azhwar & Thirumangai Azhwar
Divyaprabandam reference	Peri. T. mozhi – 1762 (Thirumangaiazhwar) Nanmugan T.vandhathi – 2420 (Thirumazhisai Azhwar)
Unique Specialties	Ashtanga Vimanam (8-part structure above the Sanctrum). Navagraha idols within a Vaishnavaite temple
Prayers made for	for salvation
Popular Events	Float festival (theppam) in Masi (Feb-March) Vaikasi Brahmotsavam (May-June)

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