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Madurai is one of
the important pilgrim centres of Tamil Nadu,
Tirukkodoal is a Divya Desam located in the heart of
Madurai. Tirumangaialwar
mentions Kozi (Uraiyur) and Koodal in a verse while Tirumazhisai Alwar
mentions Koodal along with Tiruvenkatam in a verse. Perialwar is said to
have sung Pallandu at Koodal.
The Legend
It is believed the place got its name Koodal, at the behest of Vishnu,
four clouds gathered at Madurai in the form of tall buildings, and
prevented a deluge from overpowering the city.
Deities
The main deity is Koodalazhagar in a seated posture facing east, while
his consort is called "Madhuravalli", who is seated, in a
separate sanctum.
AboutThe Temple
The temple complex covers an area of about 2.5 acres with imposing stone
walls around the temple. Tirukkoodal is a beautiful temple, with
interesting stone grills and sculptures. Visitors can climb up and take a
closer look at the Ashtanga Vimanam, which dwarfs the Rajagopuram is of
great beauty. It enshrines Pallikonda Perumal in one of its levels and
Surya Narayanan in a standing posture in the other.
One can also see noteworthy stucco images depicting scenes from the
epics. Other shrines devoted to Lakshminarasimha, Rama, Krishna, Andal are
also found in the temple complex.
Services And Festivities
Every day six worship services are offered at the temple. The annual
festival is celebrated in the month of Vaikasi (May-June), during which
Dasavataram is enacted. Other festivals celebrated here are the Maasi
Teppa Utsavam, Aadi Pooram, Krishna Jayanti, Purattasi Garuda Sevai,
Navaratri, Kartikai and Vaikuntha Ekadasi.
Air: Madurai
has an airport.
Rail: Madurai is an
important railway junction on Southern railway.
Road: Madurai being an
important pilgrimage centre is well served by Tamil Nadu State government
buses and other private buses.
Accommodation is available at the star and economy class hotels, lodges, hostels, devasthanam cottages and choultries in Madurai.
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