Thirukkoodal (Madurai)

History & Historical Heritage

The Thirukkoodal is one of the highly revered 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Lord Vishnu and his consort Goddess Lakshmi, situated in the historic town of Madurai, Tamil Nadu. The temple's sacred heritage is immortalized in the hymns of the Alvars, the Vaishnavite poet-saints, whose Naalayira Divya Prabandham glorifies this shrine. The deities are worshipped as Madhuravalli Thayar and Koodal Aḻagar Perumal. According to historical notes, Historians are of the opinion that Koodal Aḻagar temple finds mention in Sangam literature (3 century BCE – 3 century CE) in works like Madurai Kanchi by Mangudi Marudan, Paripāṭal , Kaliththokai and Silappatikaram . Periyalvar obtained the name as he is believed to be an ardent worshipper of Vishnu . While coming out of Madurai , he was taken out in procession to Srivilliputhur and he got the divine vision of Vishnu at the instance. He started reciting his composition, Periya Tirumoḻi , which was compiled in the Naalayira Divya Prabhandam by Manavala Mamunigal. Manavala decreed that the verses of Periyalvar starting with Tirupallandu should be the first and last verse while reciting Pradandam in any sacred occasion in Vishnu temples. Ramanuja, a proponent during the 10th century, believes that Tirupallandu originated at Madurai. Thus Koodal Aḻagar temple finds an indomitable position in Vaishnavite belief. During Mahapralaya, the great disaster, the devotees sought the abode of Vishnu in Madurai. [ 76 ] The architecture of the temple represents classical South Indian Dravidian stone carving, with high perimeter walls, tall gateway towers (Gopurams), and central shrines displaying intricate sculptures of Vishnu in various postures. Devotees from all over India travel to this holy destination to perform parikramas, join major festivals, and experience deep spiritual peace.

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