DivyaDesam– Lord Vishnu | One of the DivyaDesamVishnuSthalam |
Region | Pandiya Naadu |
Pandiya Naadu | 13thVishnuSthalam |
Thirukoodal
is one of the 108 Divya Desams of Lord Vishnu located in the heart of Madurai
City, Tamil Nadu. This is one of the oldest temples built by the Pandya Kings
famous for its stunning architectural beauty. The majestic rajagopuram reveals
the exquisite murals of Lord in his three postures, Lord Koodalazhagar on
sitting posture, Lord Ranganatha in reclining posture and Lord Suryanarayana in
standing posture. The Koodal Azhagar Divya Desam is situated in the heart of
Madurai, a km South East of Madurai Junction and half a km South West of Meenakshi
Amman Temple.
Lord
is seen in all three postures at this Divya Desam. At the base Tier is Koodal
Azhagar in a grand sitting posture under the Serpent Lord Aadhiseshan. Climbing
about 20 steps on to Tier 1, one sees the Lord in a Sleeping Posture. And
another 10 steps above, in Tier 2, is Lord Surya Narayanan in a standing
posture
In
the temple tower at the entrance, one sees the story of the Ramayana and
Mahabaratha depicted through sculpture in different tiers of the tower. These
sculptures can be closely seen from Tier 1 of the temple and are not to be
missed.
Pandya king Vallabadevan wanted to know the Lord with the power to show the way
to Paramapatham, the heavenly abode. The King hung a Golden Parrot with the
announcement that the parrot would automatically fall, once someone informs him
of the right Lord to Paramapatham. Several came and went back without success.
It
is believed that the Koodal Lord appeared in the dreams of Vallabadevan’s
priest Selvanambi and suggested the name of PeriAzhvaar of Srivilliputhur.
Accordingly, PeriAzhvaar was brought to the court of the Pandya King in
Madurai. With several examples from vedic scriptures as well as historical
references, PeriAzhvaar showcased to the Pandya King that Lord Vishnu was the
Lord who could take one to the heavenly abode. And to every one’s surprise the
parrot fell down.
A
delighted Pandya king praised PeriAzhvaar and took him on an elephant
procession through the streets of Madurai. Legend has it that Koodal Azhagar
himself came to see this sight on his Garuda Vaahanam.
Delighted
at the sight of the Koodal Lord, PeriAzhvaar showered praises with his
Pallaandu. Hence, Koodal Azhagar is credited with origination of
ThiruPallaandu, which now has come to be sung as the first 12 songs of the Divya
Prabhandham. Being the place where PeriAzhvaar sang the now famous Pallaandu,
this place is considered equivalent to Paramapatham.
Pandya king Sathya Varadan undertook penance before the Koodal Lord, who gave
him darshan inside a sacred tumbler, as a fish. This is stated to be the reason
for the Pandyas to have ‘Fish’ as their symbol in their flags.
At
Sathya Logam, Brahmma washed the legs of Lord Vishnu, after his Trivikrama
Avataaram, the sacred water drops of which fell on Madurai. These sacred drops
spread as two rivers, Vaigai and Krithumala. Koodal Azhagar temple is on the
banks of Kruthumala river.
TEMPLE INFORMATION:
|
Moolavar |
Sri Koodal Azhagar Perumal |
|
Ambal |
Sri Maduravalli |
|
Theertham |
Hema Pushkarani, Chakkara, Kirutha Maala Nadhi,
Vaigai Nadhi
Theertham |
This
is the only divya desam with a Navagraha Sannidhi.Praying lord here relieves
all the dosha with navagraha.
Vaikasi
Brahmotsavam, Maasi Theppotsavam, Panguni Utram Thiru Kalyana Utsavam.
HOW
TO REACH:
The
temple is situated in Madurai district of Tamilnadu. It is close to the main
bus stop and also the famous Meenakshi temple. Madurai is well connected by
trains, buses and flights with major cities.
TEMPLE ADDRESS:
Sri Koodal Azhagar
Perumal Thirukkovil,
Thirukoodal,
Madurai,
Tamil Nadu - 625 001.
LOCATION:
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