Koodal Azhagar Temple / Arulmigu Koodal Azhagar Perumal Temple / ஸ்ரீ கூடல் அழகர் கோவில், Madurai, Tamil Nadu.

This Koodal Azhagar Temple is one of the 108 Diva Desams of Maha Vishnu and 101^st Divya Desam. Mangalasasanam was done by Thirumalisai Alwar, Thirumangai Alwar and  Perialwar. This is an updated post written along with Kallalazhagar alias Thirumalirunjolai temple. 

 

The popular “Thirupallandu”, hymns recited in all the vaishnavite temples belongs to this temple, composed by Periyalwar. This temple is located in heart of the Madurai city. Maha Vishnu of this temple was praised by Periyalwar, Thirumazhisai Alwar and Thirumangai Alwar.

பல்லாண்டு பல்லாண்டு பல்லாயிரத்தாண்டு

பல கோடி நூறாயிரம்

மல்லாண்ட திண்தோள் மணிவண்ணா! உன்

சேவடி செவ்வி திருக்காப்பு

அடியோடும் நின்னோடும் பிரிவின்றி ஆயிரம்பல்லாண்டு

வடிவாய்நின் வலமார்பினில் வாழ்கின்ற மங்கையும் பல்லாண்டு 

வடிவார்சோதி வலத்துறையும் சுடராழியும் பல்லாண்டு

படைபோர்புக்கு முழங்கும் அப்பாஞ்சசன்னியமும் பல்லாண்டே.

…. பெரியாழ்வார்

அழைப்பன் திருவேங்கடத்தானைக் காண

இழைப்பன் திருக் கூடல் கூட – மழைப்பே

ரருவி மணி வரன்றி வந்திழிய யானை

வெருவி யரவொடுங்கும் வெற்பு

திருமிழசை ஆழ்வார் நான்முகன் திருவந்தாதி – 39

கோழியும் கூடலும் கோயில் கொண்ட கோவலரே ஒப்பர், குன்றமன்ன

பாழியந்தோளும் ஓர் நான்குடையர் பண்டு இவர் தம்மையும் கண்டறியோம்

வாழியரோ இவர் வண்ணம் எண்ணில் மா கடல் போன்றுளர், கையில் வெய்ய

ஆழி யொன்றேந்தி ஓர் சங்கு பற்றி அச்சோ ஒருவ ரழகிய வா!

….. திருமங்கை ஆழ்வார் –பெரிய திருமொழி -9-2-5-

Moolavar  : Sri Koodalagar

Utsavar    : Vyuha Sundararaja Perumal

Thayar     : Sri Amirthavalli Thayar, Sri Maduravalli

Some of the important features of this temple are.....

The temple facing east with a 5 tier Rajagopuram. Dwajasthambam is at the entrance of the Moolavar sanctum. There are two 4 pillar mandapam on both sides of Dwajasthambam. Garudan and Balipeedam are after the dwajasthambam. Kostas are with  painted images.

The moolavar in sanctum Sanctorum is in three different forms, ie Nindran ( Standing ), Irundhan ( Sitting posture ) and Kidanthan ( reclining posture). All the three are in three levels, one above the other.

Chakrathalwar sannidhi is at the centre. In prakaram Vahana mandapam, Lakshmi Narasimhar ( a relief in a stone slab ) and Navagrahas. In the Outer prakaram Andal, Manavala Muni, Alwars, Vishwaksena, Ramar, Krishna, Anjaneya, Garudan and Lakshmi Narasimhar.  In the temple nandhavanam, Krishnan and sthala vruksham is Plantain tree.

ARCHITECTURE

The temple consists of Sanctum Sanctorum, artha mandapam and maha mandapam. Utsava murtis are in maha mandapam. The Vimanam is ashtanga Vimanam like Uthiramerur, to accommodate Perumal on three levels, in Standing, seating and reclining postures. The Vimanam is with three thalas. The sanctum sanctorum is on a raised upana. The Koshtas are padre Kostas, little protruding out side. Panjaras are in between karnapathi and salaipathi. The pilasters on the bhitti are with squatting lion, Vishnu kantha pilasters, kalasam, kudam, lotus petals mandi, palagai, veera kandam and pushba pothyals. Stucco images are in the Vimanas Salaipathi, aharai and Karnapathi. The Prastaram consists of Valapi with madhalai, Kapotam with Nasi kudus and Simha / Viyyalavari. The nasi kudus has the images of various deities. The Vimanam has the stucco images of Poovarahar, Lakshmi Narasimhar, Lakshmi Narayan, Alwars, Acharyas etc,.

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The Moolavar at the Ground level is in Sitting posture under the hood of adhiseshan, about 6 feet high. Sridevi and Bhudevi are on both sides. While his upper hands are holding Conch and chakra, lower right hand is in Abhaya hastam and left hand is in chin mudra.

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The Moolavar in the second tala is called Surya Narayana. Here Perumal is in standing posture and Sridevi & Bhudevi are on both sides. While Perumal’s upper hands are holding conch and Chakra, lower hands are in abhaya and varada hastam. All the three images are made of stucco, painted in green colour. The walls has the herbal paintings of Maha Vishnu, Brahma, Shri Shiva and Ashtadikpalakas.

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The Moolavar in the third tier is called as Parkadal Nathar in reclining posture on Adhiseshan. Perumal is painted in green Colour. Brahma is sitting on a Lotus which emerges from Perumal’s naval. Adiseshan’s image in anjali hastam is also on Perumal’s head side. Krishna and Arjuna's images are also found in the sanctum painted in blue colour.

  

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Thayar Maduravalli’s Sannidhi is little big built with sanctum sanctorum, antarala, ardha mandapam, maha mandapam, mukha mandapam and prakara. Thayar is in sitting posture with abhaya and varada hastam. Navagraha Sannidhi is in this temple, which is an unique feature of this temple.

Andal is also in a separate temple like sannidhi but comparatively Small with Thayar Sannidhi. Andal is in standing posture.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

Since Alwars belongs to 7^th to 8^th century and Mangalasasnam of this temple was done by them, the temple may be existed 7^th to 8^th century, built by early Pandyas and the present structure belongs to Vijayanagaras, Nayakas ( inscription 557 - 559 ). This temple was called different names like, Thirukoodal, Kathali vana Kshetram, Koodalambadi, Then Madurai etc, since ancient times. The antiquity of the temple can be seen from the Paripadal, an ancient literature / Sangam period praises Koodal Azhagar and this place as Irunthaiyur.

வானார் எழிலி மழைவளம் நந்தத்

    தேனார் சிமய மலையின் இழி தந்து

நான் மாடக் கூடல் எதிர்கொள்ள, ஆனா

    மருந்தாகும் தீநீர் மலிதுறை மேய

இருந்தையூர் அமர்ந்த செல்வாநின்

    திருந்தடி தலையுறப் பரவுதும் தொழுதே”

During Muslims invasion, in 14^th Century, the temple was protected by Tiruvaimozhi Pillai ( 1307 CE ), who belongs to Kundhi Nagar ( Konthagai ) an ardent devotee of Maha Vishnu, Prime minister in the Pandya country and Guru of Manavala Mamunigal.

During Chandasahib’s reign, Madurai was added to ManaMadurai and Utsava Murti along with Meenakshi Sundareswarar was shifted to Manamadurai. The same were brought back to their original places during Maratha period by Murari Rao.

It is believed that ( from unconfirmed sources ) Kattabomman’s brother Oomadurai was hiding in this temple for some days before captured by the British.

The temple was completely renovated during Nayakas period ( 1547 CE ) 16^th Century, which includes Kodimaram mandapam and some mandapams. Some of the structures like mandapas are built during 20^th Century and Rajagopuram was built in the year 1945 CE.  

LEGENDS

As per the legend, Brahma’s son Sanath kumarar did a penance on Mahavishnu in this place for Maha Vishnu’s Archavatar darshan. Maha Vishnu along with Sridevi and Bhudevi gave darshan. Sanath kumarar asked to Deva sculptor Viswakarma to make Maha Vishnu, as per the darshan, he had seen. Then he Installed Maha Vishnu under this ashtanga Vimanam. It is believed that this temple exists since Kirutha yuga. Hence Perumal is called as Yugam kanda Perumal.

During A pallava King Vallaba Deva’s reign Periyalwar proved Sriman Narayanan is the only paramporuL / superior in the  court. The king took him in procession on the Royal elephant. When Koodal azhagar gave him darshan on Garuda vahana, Periyalwar praised the beauty of Perumal and sung the Thirupallandu. In remembrance of that incidence, still it is celebrated Margazhi month as “Paraththuva Nirnayam”.

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In another legend, it was raining heavily in Madurai. People prayed to Maha Vishnu to save them from this heavy rain. Maha Vishnu sent 4 big clouds, which joined together and formed as 4 madas. This saved the people from the rain. Since the 4 clouds joined together and formed as 4 madas, this place is called as Nanmada Koodal or the Koodal Ma Nagar.

The Sthala purana, mentions that marriage was conducted to Uma, who was born to Somasundara Pandian with Shiva, who was born as Sundara Pandyan by Koodal Azhagar.

Any effort, will become success, if correct planning – Vyuham-  is  done. Hence it is believed that any effort after praying the Utsava murti of this temple will become success, hence Utsava murti is called “Vyuha Sundararaja Perumal”.

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from 4 Kala regular poojas as per Vaikhanasa agama, special poojas are conducted on Vaikunta Ekadasi, Navaratri, Purattasi Saturdays, Avani Thiruvonam, etc, Theppa utsavam will be conducted in the month of Masi, Maha nakshatra day.

People prays to Koodal Azhagar and Thayar to remove marriage obstacle, child boon etc,. It is also believed that the prayer offered to Perumal, will become success after praying 48 days ( one mandalam ).

THE TEMPLE TIMINGS

The temple is kept open between 06.30 Hrs to 12.00 Hrs and 16.00 Hrs to 19.30 Hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS 

The telephone number is +91452 2338542

E-mail address is : arulmiguperumal@yahoo.co.in

The temple web site is : http://www.koodalalagarthirukkoil.org/structure.php

HOW TO REACH

This Koodal Azhagar temple is close to Periyar Bus stand ( 500 meters ).

This temple is about 1 KM from Meenakshi Amman temple, 1.3 KM from Madurai Junction, 22 KM from Azhagar kovil, 140 KM from Trichy and 461 KM from Chennai.

Nearest Railway station is Madurai Junction.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

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--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Madurai District Temples

STATE/ DISTRICT	PLACE	DESCRIPTION
Madurai Dist	Azhagar Kovil	Sri Kallazhakar Sundaraja Perumal
Madurai Dist	Azhagar Kovil	Sri Kallazhagar Temple ( Updated )
Madurai Dist	Keelakuyilkudi	Sri KarupannaSamy & Iyyanar
Madurai Dist	Madurai	Meenakshi Amman Temple
Madurai Dist	Madurai	Sri Koodal Azhagar Temple
Madurai Dist	Madurai	Sri Koodal Azhagar Temple ( Updated )
Madurai Dist	Madurai - Sellur	Sri Aappudayar Temple
Madurai Dist	Pazhamudir Cholai	Sri Murugan Temple
Madurai Dist	Pazhamudir Cholai	Sri Murugan Temple ( Updated )
Madurai Dist	Sathuragiri	Sri Santhana Mahalingam Temple
Madurai Dist	Sathuragiri	Sri Sundara Mahalingam Temple
Madurai Dist	Thirumogur	Sri Kalamegaperumal Temple
Madurai Dist	Thirumohur	Sri Annan Perumal Temple
Madurai Dist	Thiruparankundram	Sathyagiriswarar Shiva Temple
Madurai Dist	Thiruparankunram	Parangiri nathar & Murugan Temple
Madurai Dist	Thiruparankunram	Sri Kasi Viswanathar Temple
Madurai Dist	Thiruparankunram	Sri Palani Andavar temple
Madurai Dist	Thiruvathavur	Sri Thirumarainathar Temple
Madurai Dist	Thiruvedagam	Edaganathar Temple

Edaganathar Temple / Yedaga Natha Swami Temple / Edaganatheswarar Temple / ஏடகநாதேஸ்வரர் கோவில். Thiruvedagam, Madurai District, Tamil Nadu.

This is the 248^th Thevaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 4^th Sthalam of Pandya Nadu. This place Thiruvedagam is on the banks of river Vaigai. The river flows from North to south at this place. 

  

As per Sekkizhar in Periya Purana, he narrates the punal vatham did by Thirugnanasambandar with Tamil Jains ( Samanars. When the palm leaf went against the Vaigai river at a faster rate, than air wind and Kulachiraiyar went fast on the horse to pick up the leaf. Sambandar sung this hymns to stop and float on the river. This is the place where the palm leaf landed  on the river bank.

    ஆற்றின்மேல் செல்லும் ஏடு தொடர்ந்து எடுப்பதற்கு வேண்டிக்

    காற்றி என விசையின் செல்லும் கடும்பரி ஏறிக் கொண்டு

    கோல் தொழில் திருத்த வல்ல குலச்சிறையார் பின் சென்றார்

    ஏற்றுஉயர் கொடியினாரைப் பாடினார் ஏடு தங்க

    ஏடகம் பிள்ளையார் தாம் வன்னி என்று எடுத்துப் பாடக்

    கூடிய நீரில் ஏடு குலச்சிறையாரும் கூடிக்

    காடுஇடம் ஆக ஆடும் கண்ணுதல் கோயில் மாட்

    நீடுநீர் நடுவுள் புக்கு நின்ற ஏடு எடுத்துக் கொண்டார்

Thirugnanasambandar and Vallalar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.

    வன்னியும்  மத்தமும் மதிபொதி சடையினன்

    பொன்னியல் திருவடி புதுமலர் அவைகொடு

    மன்னிய மறையவர் வழிபட அடியவர்

    இன்னிசை பாடலர் ஏடகத்து ஒருவனே

...... திருஞானசம்பந்தர்

                                        -“வானவர்கோன்

    தேமேடகத்த னொடுசீதரனும் வாழ்த்துஞ்சீர்

    ஆமே டகத்தறி வானந்தமே

......திரு அருட்பா

Moolavar  : Sri Edakanathar / Yedaga Natheswarar

Consort    : Sri Elavarkuzhali, Sukuntha Kunthalambigai

Some of the important features of this temple are…

The temple is facing east with 5 tier Rajagopuram separately for  Lord Shiva and Ambal. In Kambathadi mandapam, Balipedam and Dwajasthambam ( They are not in horizontal line, but at an elevated level to match the sanctum level of 9 steps). Vinayagar and Murugan are at the entrance of the shrine. Moolavar Edakanathar is of Shiva Lingam is of swayambu in a Sanctum sanctorum with beautiful architecture. The Dwarapalakas are big and beautiful and installed in front of the sanctum sanctorum. In koshtam Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar and Durgai.

In Prakaram 63var, Urchavars ( Edaka Nathar, Elavar Kuzhali Amman, Vinayagar, Arumuga Swamy, Somaskandar, Thirugnanasambandar ), Irattai Vinayagar, Subramaniyar, Nagalakshmi, Durgai, Sakthi Vinayagar, Chandikeswarar, Pancha Lingas, Saptamatrikas, Navagrahas, Vallaba Ganapathy, Sastha, Chandran & Suryan with their consorts, Karthikai, Bhairavar,  Natarajar Sabha ( Natarajar in stone and Cheppu murtis ).

Ambal  is in a separate Temple  with a separate Rajagopram. Dwarapalakas instead of Dwarapalakis are at the entrance of the sanctum sanctorum, which is unusual. Thirugnanasambandar’s relief with out thalam is on the mandapam pillar. In Koshtam Sakthis, icha, Kiriya etc.

In prakaram Vinayagar and Palliyarai. Rishabam is on and elevated level to match Ambal sanctum of 7 steps. The bell tower is in-front of Amman temple and it was told that the was imported from Malaysia ( is not available now ).

There is a shrine of Thirugnanasambandar on the main road facing east.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

The original temple may be existed before 6^th Century and renovated / extended  during Pandyas and Vijayanagara Nayak’s period.

There are 14 inscriptions recorded  Under Annual Report of South Indian Epigraphy 1905 from 677 to 689. These inscriptions belongs to Maravarman’s son Sundara Pandyan, Sadayavarman also called as Parakrama Pandyan, Jadavarman also called as Vikrama Pandyan, Jadavarman Sri Vallaba devan and Krishna Devarayar ( 1448). Sri Vallabadevan’s inscription this place belongs to Pakanoor Kootram.   As per the inscriptions this place was called as Pakanur Kottathu Thiruvedagam and Lord Shiva is called as Thiruvedakamudaya Nayanar

The inscriptions records that Maravarman Sundara Pandyan conquered Chozha  country and Coronation ( Vijayabhishekam and veerabhishekam – விஜயாபிசேகம் & வீராபிசேகம் ) was held at  Mudikonda Chozhapuram. Also he assumed the titles of Chozha nadu vazhangiya Sundara Pandyan and Konerimaikondan.

Sundara Pandyan period inscription records the endowment of feeding 20 thabasis  of Thirugnanasambandar Thirumadam  for which a land was gifted.

Krishna Devarayar period inscription records that a land was donated to this temple by Pachchai Peruml Pachchai Kandiya devar.

LEGENDS

Brahma, Maha Vishnu, Garudan, Viyasar, Parasarar worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple.

Thirugnanasambandar came to Madurai, when Koon Pandyan was ruling.  The Jainisam was on the peak with the support of the King. Jain monks were afraid of Sambandar and his camp was set fire. Thirugnanasambandar sung the hymn in which he mentions that fire should go slowly and attack the king. Due to this the king was affected by the burning small pox boils. Jain monks tried their best but couldn’t cured the small pox. When Thirugnanasambandar was called, he asked to bring the ashes from Sri Meenakshi Amman Temple’s kitchen. The ash as Vibhuthi was applied all over the body of the king and immediately the small pox boils vanished. The Pandya King realised the power of Lord Shiva and started his yathra to some temples along with Thirugnanasambandar.

Since  Samanar ( Tamil Jains ) challenged Sambandar to 'anal vadham' (hot dispute)  at Thirunallaru where he wrote  pachai pathikam. The Samanar ( Jains ) were defeated by Sambandar in the anal vadham and they came down to this temple for punal vadham. The Samanars wrote 'Athi Naathi' on a Palmyra leaf and floated on the river Vaigai. As per Sekkizhar, Sambandar wrote in Tamil as...

   `அவரும் விரைசூழ் பொழில்காழிஉன் ஆதிஞானம்

    மலரும் திருவாக்குடை வள்ளலார் உள்ள வண்ணம்

    பலரும் உணர்ந்து உய்யப் பகர்ந்து வரைந்து யாற்றில்

    நிலவும் திருஏடு திருக்கையால் நீட்டி இட்டார்”

and floated it down the Vaigai. The palm leaf that Sambandar floated against the course of river and reached the bank on the other side where there lies an idol of Lord Ganesha who is known as "vaathu venra Vinayagar" .

Sambandar was feeling happy  and called this place as 'Edu Senranai Tharum Edagam' which came to be known as Thiruvedagam. The Palmyra leaf which the Samanars left was swept away by the river and reached 'Thirupasethi' ( thiru + pa + serthal) later to be known as Thirupachetty.

Sundarar didn't came to the temple, but worshiped from a boat in the Vaigai River, he don’t want step in to temple, since Thirugnanasambandar visit made the temple as holy temple.

 

Thirugnanasambandar Sannadhi

Thirugnanasambandar

The Vaigai river bank where the palm leaf / edu landed 

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from regular poojas, special poojas are conducted on Pradosham, Maha Shivaratri, Chithirai Thiruvizha, Avani 1^st day Edu eriya vizha on Avani avittam star day which combines with full moon, Kandar Sashti, Navaratri, Adipooram, Masi Maha kadalaattu & Float festival, Panguni Uthiram, Karthikai somavaram 108 Sangabhishekam, Karthikai Deepam, Arudra Darishanam.

Once in a year on Vijaya Dhasami day Urchavar is taken to near by village called Thachampattu for dhasara celebration.

On Maha Shivaratri day 4^th kala pooja ( Night ) will be dedicated for Bhairava like Kasi.  

THE TEMPLE TIMINGS:

The temple is kept open between 06.30 Hrs to 12.00 Hrs and 16.30 Hrs to 20.30 Hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS :

The Archakar may be contacted on his mobile  number +91 4543 259311 for further detail.

Mobile No : 99432 61487

E-Mail: edaganaathaswami@gmail.com

Web site : http://thiruvedagamedaganaathar.tinfo.in/

HOW TO REACH :

Thiruvedagam is on the way to Sholavandan from Madurai.

Town bus Route numbers are 68A, 54R and 29A from Periyar Bus stand, 93 A from Mattuthavani, 28 A and 93 from Anna Bus stand.

Thiruvedagam is 5 KM from Sholavandan, 20 KM from Madurai, 25 KM from Thirumangalam, 47 KM from Dindigul, 145 KM from Trichy and 480 KM from Chennai.

Nearest Railway station is Madurai.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

Ambal Sannadhi

Road side entrance arch

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---