Koodal Azhagar Temple, located in the vibrant city of Madurai, Tamil Nadu, is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Known for its architectural grandeur and spiritual significance, it stands as one of the 108 Divya Desams, the sacred abodes of Vishnu. The temple's unique feature of a three-tiered sanctum showcasing the deity in sitting, standing, and reclining postures makes it a distinguished place of worship. This temple not only holds religious importance but also reflects the rich cultural heritage and Tamil literature through the hymns of the Alwars.
Koodal Azhagar Temple is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located in the heart of Madurai, Tamil Nadu. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams, the holy abodes of Vishnu as described in the works of the Alwars (saints). The temple architecture is a blend of Dravidian style and showcases intricate sculptures and carvings. It has a multi-tiered Rajagopuram (temple tower) and is renowned for its beautiful idol of Koodal Azhagar (another name for Lord Vishnu) in a seated posture.
Temple Specialty: The temple is unique for its three-tiered sanctum where the deity is depicted in three different postures: sitting, standing, and reclining. This rare feature symbolizes the three forms of Lord Vishnu - Koodal Azhagar (seated), Ranganathar (reclining), and Surya Narayana (standing). The temple is also significant for its connection to Tamil literature and the Alwars' hymns.
Temple Address: Koodal Azhagar Temple, Perumal Koil Sannathi Street, Madurai, Tamil Nadu - 625001, India.
Temple Location (Longitude and Latitude): 9.9184° N, 78.1195° E
Temple Timings:
- Morning: 5:30 AM - 12:00 PM
- Evening: 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Temple Sevas:
- Sahasranama Archana
- Thirumanjanam (Holy Bath)
- Vishesha Pooja
- Thiruppavai Recital
- Brahmotsavam (Annual Festival)
- Vaikunta Ekadasi Celebrations
Traveling Facilities:
- By Road: Regular bus services are available from various parts of Tamil Nadu and neighboring states to Madurai.
- By Rail: Madurai Junction is well-connected with major cities in India.
- By Air: Madurai Airport has flights from major Indian cities.
Food Facilities: Numerous restaurants and eateries around the temple offer a variety of South Indian and vegetarian cuisines.
Stay Facilities: Several hotels, lodges, and guesthouses are available in Madurai, ranging from budget to luxury accommodations.
Nearby Railway Station: Madurai Junction Railway Station (approximately 1.5 km from the temple)
Nearby Airport: Madurai Airport (approximately 12 km from the temple)
Nearby Bus Station: Periyar Bus Stand (approximately 1 km from the temple)
Bus Routes to Temple: Frequent local buses and private buses operate to Madurai from various cities in Tamil Nadu.
Train Routes to Temple: Madurai Junction is connected by rail to cities like Chennai, Bangalore, Coimbatore, and others.
Airways to Temple: Flights to Madurai Airport are available from cities like Chennai, Bangalore, Mumbai, and Delhi.
Nearby Cities to Temple:
- Chennai
- Bangalore
- Coimbatore
- Trichy
Nearby Visiting Temples and Other Places:
- Meenakshi Amman Temple
- Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal
- Alagar Kovil
- Pazhamudircholai Murugan Temple
- Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam
Shopping Famous For: Madurai is famous for its silk sarees, handloom fabrics, jasmine flowers, brassware, and traditional handicrafts.
These details provide a comprehensive guide to visiting Koodal Azhagar Temple and exploring the city of Madurai.
Visiting Koodal Azhagar Temple offers a blend of spiritual enrichment and cultural exploration. With its accessible location and well-connected transport facilities, devotees and tourists can conveniently plan their visit. The temple's proximity to other significant temples and tourist attractions in Madurai, along with ample accommodation and food facilities, ensures a comfortable and fulfilling pilgrimage experience. Additionally, Madurai's reputation for exquisite silk sarees and traditional handicrafts provides a delightful shopping opportunity, making the visit to this divine temple an all-encompassing experience.
