KOODAL AZHAGAR PERUMAL TEMPLE, MADURAI

 

The history of this temple can be traced back to Sangam Period. One can find mention of Koodal Azhagar Koil in Paripadal and Silappadikaram. Many poets from Sangam period have praised the presiding deity of this temple with the name of Thuvarikoman and Koodal Alagar.

According to a legend, Vishnuchitha (Periyalwar) was invited to Madurai at the Pandya King court where he established the greatness of lord throughout his convincing arguments, after which a miracle happened which even made the King celebrate his divine victory. During the victory procession which was led by the King himself  Sri Koodal Alagar appeared and blessed Vishnuchitha, who on seeing the beauty of the  sung Thirupallandu in the Lord’s praise and offered Mangalasasanam. Even today, Thirupallandu is first prabhandam sung in all Vishnu temples.

The unique feature of this temple is that you can see the Lord in three different poses in there different stages symbolising Bhoo, Bhuvar and Suwar lokas. In the garbgraha (Bhoo) he is seen as Koodal Azhagar in sitting posture (Iruntha kolam), in the first level of Ashtanga vimana above the Garbgraha (Bhuvar) he is seen as Surya Narayana in standing posture (Nindra Kolam) and above Surya Narayana shrine (Suwar) he is seen as Ksheerapthi Narayana (Kidantha Kolam).  This could be related to ISKCON concept of Garbhodhaga Sayee,  Suddhothaga Sayee and Ksheerothaga Sayee.

Andal shrine is situated in the outer Paharam of the temple. There is Thulasi Maadam in the left corner around 15-20 ft west from the shrine. There is a small mirror in the Maadam. If you sit and see the Mirror you can have darshan of Andal in it. In the evening time when all the lamps are lit inside the shrine it is so beautiful and is beyond words.

Goshta Devathas ( Gods around the outer wall of Garbgraha) and Navagraha shrine will not be there in any VISHNU temple. But in Koodal Azhagar temple you can see Goshta devthas in painting (BRAHMA, VISHNU, MAHALAKSHMI AND NARASIMHA ) and there is a Navagraha sannidhi also.

Beautiful sculptures of Anda peranda ( அண்ட் பேரண்ட) Narasimhar ( A full size painting of this Narasimhar could be seen at Kattazhagiya singhar temple, srirangam ) and போர்க்கோல கணேசாயினி. Ganesayini, a very rarely seen female form of Ganesha are seen in the pillars.

 


















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