Tirukoodal – The Majestic Ashtanga Vimanam Temple of Madurai
Divya Desam 101 of 108 | Region: Pandiyanadu
Situated in the historic city of Madurai, Tirukoodal is a revered Divya Desam known for its unique architecture and divine legends. This temple is dedicated to Koodalazhagar, the presiding deity in a seated posture, with Madhuravalli Thayar enshrined in a separate sanctum. It stands as a significant spiritual landmark amidst the cultural richness of Madurai.
Divine Highlights
- Moolavar: Koodalazhagar (seated posture)
- Thayar: Madhuravalli Thayar (separate sanctum)
- Theertham: Hema Pushkarini
- Vimanam: Ashtanga Vimanam (multi-tiered and architecturally unique)
- Other Shrines: Lakshmi Narasimhar, Ramar, Krishnar, and Andal
- Unique Feature: Presence of Navagrahas within the temple, uncommon in Vaishnava shrines
Sacred Legends
The sthala purana recounts a divine event where Lord Vishnu commanded the clouds to unite to protect the temple area from a devastating deluge of heavy rains. This miraculous act led to the name Tirukoodal, meaning ‘the place where clouds meet’.
Architecturally, the temple is remarkable for its three-tiered Ashtanga Vimanam, a rarity in South Indian temples. Each tier houses a different form of Vishnu:
- Pallikonda Perumal (reclining posture) in one level
- Surya Narayanan (standing posture) in another
- Koodalazhagar (seated posture) in the sanctum below
An extraordinary feature is that the shadow of the Vimanam never falls on the ground, considered a divine marvel.
Azhwar Mangalaasaasanam
- Tirumangai Azhwar: Pasuram 1762
- Tirumazhisai Azhwar: Pasuram 2420
(As per the Naalaayira Divya Prabandham)
Unique Architectural Significance
Tirukoodal is one of the very few temples in India built with multi-tiered sanctums that allow devotees to climb and view the intricate carvings and sanctified idols on different levels of the Vimanam. This triadic representation of Vishnu forms is a celebrated marvel in Vaishnavite architecture.
Plan Your Pilgrimage with SouthGuru Holidays
Madurai and its sacred Tirukoodal temple are essential destinations for any spiritual seeker visiting Tamil Nadu. SouthGuru Holidays offers curated pilgrimage tours covering the complete route of the 108 Divya Desams, including cultural experiences in Madurai.
📞 Call us at: +91-73565 07555
📧 Email: sales@southguru.in
🌐 Website: www.southguruholidays.com
