Shri Koodal Azhagar Temple

4.7

Location: W477+PGC, Koodal Alagar Perumal Koil Street Near Periyar Bus Stand, Periyar, Madurai Main, Madurai, Tamil Nadu 625001, India.

Visiting time: 2-3 hours.

In Madurai, a city in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, the Hindu deity Vishnu is revered at the Shri Koodal Azhagar Temple. The Dravidian-style temple is recorded in the Divya Prabandha, an early medieval Tamil canon of Azhwar saints dating from the 6th to 9th centuries AD.

Attraction

Six times a day, without fail, prayers are offered to the gods. In the temple, rituals are done on a weekly, monthly, and fortnightly basis. The annual festivities begin in the Tamil month of Vaikasi, which runs from May to June when the Vishnu dasavatharam is staged. All of the festivals held here are important, but the fourteen-day Brahmotsavam is the most renowned. The primary god is lavishly decked, conveyed in a chariot, and paraded around the temple during this period. During the Tamil calendar month of Maasi, a ten-day float festival is conducted (mid-February to mid-March). The festivals of Krishna Janmashtami, Navratri, and Vaikuntha Ekadasi are also widely observed here.

History

The reigning deity is described as Koodal Azhagiya Perumal in the temple’s inscriptions. Inscriptions throughout the temple indicate rich contributions and endowments in the form of land, residences, and gold for the temple’s upkeep and administration. The gift of granite stones for the construction of Ardha Mandapa is mentioned in an inscription from the 8th century. During the Madurai Nayaks’ reign in the 16th century, the temple was extended. The Nayaks built the Dwajasthambam mandap (flagstaff) and the mandap before the Hema Pushkarani. Muthu K.R.V. Alagappa Chettiar of Devakottai built the Madhuravalli Thayar Shrine (Thayar) and refurbished the temple in 1923. The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

Inside/Outside Views

Shri Koodal Azhagar Temple

Devotees are drawn to this temple because of its beautiful architecture. One of the most appealing elements of this temple is the five-tiered raja gopuram, which serves as the entrance. Granite walls encircle the temple and all of its shrines. The idol of the temple’s primary god, Koodal Azhagar, can be seen in the main shrine. To the south, there is a temple dedicated to Goddess Madhuravalli, Koodal Azhagar’s consort. There are also several minor shrines dedicated to various Gods and Goddesses, including Lord Krishna, Lord Rama, Goddess Lakshmi, and Lord Narayana.

Opening Hours

Wednesday	· 6:30 AM–12 PM · 4–7:30 PM
Thursday	· 6:30 AM–12 PM · 4–7:30 PM
Friday	· 6:30 AM–12 PM · 4–7:30 PM
Saturday	· 6:30 AM–12 PM · 4–7:30 PM
Sunday	· 6:30 AM–12 PM · 4–7:30 PM
Monday	· 6:30 AM–12 PM · 4–7:30 PM
Tuesday	· 6:30 AM–12 PM · 4–7:30 PM

Entry & Others Fees

Adults: INR 20,
Children: INR 10,
Parking: INR 20

Near Restaurants

Near Hotels

How to Reach

By Air: The journey from Madurai Airport. The time it takes for an automobile to go a certain distance is referred to as travel time.

By Rail: The journey from Madurai Railway Station to Koodal Alagar Temple takes 3 minutes. The distance between Madurai Railway Station and Koodal Alagar Temple is approximately 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) or 1.6 nautical miles. The time it takes for an automobile to go a certain distance is referred to as travel time.

By Road: Koodal Azhagar Temple is in a wonderful position. It is close to the central bus stand and the Madurai train station and is located in the city’s heart. Buses, auto-rickshaws, and taxis are all readily available types of public transportation.

Tips for Travellers

Climb to the summit to get a better look at the ornately adorned superstructure. In one part of the temple complex, you may have to climb several high steps.
Bringing a video camera into the temple will cost you INR 100 while bringing a still camera will cost you INR 50.
The dosa from the temple booth is quite tasty.
Lockers for your shoes and other items are available here.