Koodal Azhagar Temple

Koodal Azhagar Temple in Madurai is dedicated to Vishnu, worshipped as Viyooga Sundarrajan, with his consort Lakshmi as Mathuravalli. Built in the Dravidian style, it counts among the 108 Divya Desams praised by the Alvar saints of the 6th to 9th centuries. It is believed to have been founded by the Pandyas, and an 8th-century inscription records a gift of granite for its ardha mandapa; the Vijayanagara and Madurai Nayak rulers added pillared halls and major shrines in the 16th century.

The temple covers about 2 acres within high granite walls and is entered through a five-tiered gopuram 125 feet tall. Its raised central shrine holds images of the deity in three postures, among them seated and standing. Legend links it with Periyalvar, who won a debate on life's purpose before the ruler Vallabhadeva and is said to have built the gopuram at Srivilliputhur with the gold he won. The temple follows the Tenkalai tradition, and its chief festival is the fourteen-day Brahmotsavam in Vaikasi (May–June).