Koodal Azhagar Temple, Hindu temple in Madurai, India

Koodal Azhagar Temple is a Hindu temple in the old center of Madurai featuring carved towers, layered structures, and impressive stone carvings depicting scenes from religious stories. The complex contains multiple courtyards and inner sanctums connected by corridors that preserve traditional South Indian architecture throughout.

The temple is believed to have been built originally by the Pandyas, with later additions under the Vijayanagara Empire and the Madurai Nayaks, who commissioned pillared halls and major shrines in the 16th century. An 8th-century inscription records the donation of granite for the Ardha Mandapa, and the Mathuravalli Thayar shrine was built and the temple renovated by Muthu K.R.V. Alagappa Chettiar of Devakottai in 1923.

The name Koodal refers to Madurai itself, and the temple follows the Tenkalai tradition of worship. Four daily rituals are held, and the fourteen-day Brahmotsavam in the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May–June) is the main yearly festival. The processional image is Vyuga Sundararajar, a 4 ft panchaloha figure.

The temple is accessible to visitors daily with morning and afternoon hours, though times may extend during religious holidays. Wear loose clothing and be prepared for uneven ground in older sections, as the site spans multiple levels throughout its layout.

The vimana over the sanctum is built in the Ashtanga style, with eight parts from base to finial, and is believed to be the work of Vishvakarma. Local tradition holds that its shadow never falls on the ground. The same eight-part vimana appears at Mannar Koil, Ambasamudram, Uthiramerur, Thirukoshtiyur and Cheranmadevi.