Thirukoodal, in the neighbourhood of Madurai Fort of the Pandyan rulers was a fertile settlement under their patronage. Delhi Sultanate invasion necessitated safeguarding of the temple by Vaishnava Acharyar Thiruvaymozhi Pillai. Influenced by his disciple Manavala Munigal the Mavali Vanathirayan chieftains endeavoured to revive worship. Under the governorship of Sadasiva Rayar, Thirukoodal was restored by wealthy donors. Expansion and new fortification by Madurai Nayakkars included Thirukoodal part of Irunthaiyur within the renewed capital city of Madurai.

Parallel competitive temple art forms flowered in the Pallavan and Pandyan kingdoms. Accordingly innovative shrine or Vimanam with three sanctums and a circumambulatory passage each,
one above the other was established in the fertile regions. Irunthaiyur was favourable for Koodal Azhagar to appear In three varying stances: sitting Soundararajar, standing Surya Narayanar and reclining Ksheerabdhi Nathar.

The Vimanam from a square basement, on a pyramid raise with three sanctums, architrave, clerestory was capped by dome and finial. These eight constituents of Ashtanga Vimanam was a unique Dravidian architectural style of the ninth-tenth century. The towers of the enclosure wall were subordinated to the 125ft high Vimanam as prevalent at that time. Prominent 22ft wide circuit dome and 10ft golden finial ensures visibility from distant quarters. 

Scluptural Significance
Narrative stucco sculptures of the tower and shrine.
Low relief stone sculptural legend panels on the base structure.
Surya Ratham relief stone sculpture on a column near holy step well, Hema Pushkarni.
Cluster bronze sculpture of Sri RamaSeethai Lakshmanan.

Dont carry camera nor take pictures os the gods in the temple. Beware of spamming beggars in the road.

Drinking water, snack / refreshment available.

1. 5.30 am To 12.00 pm & 4.00 pm To 8.30 pm.

2. 15th December to 14th January : 4.00 am To 12.30 pm 4.00 pm to 9.00 pm.

Clothing

1. It is considered a place of religous importance and dressing modestly will be ideal.

2.Do not scribble, write graffitti on the hill. Keep the place clean and refrain from throwing garbage.

Best time to visit is in the winter months between October to February.

1. The visitors can experience the customs and traditions of the koodal alagar temple and the different rituals and different festivals.

2. Can get a view from Astangavimanam on the top of the temple.

3. Can experience the streets of Madurai which sells jasmine,snacks,etc.

4. They can get to know about the special gods and idols of the temple.

Suitable for all the visitors.

1. The visitors can experience the customs and traditions of the Koodal Azhagar temple as well as the different rituals and many festivals. One can get an aerial view of the streets around from Ashtaga Vimanam on the top of the temple.

2. Can experience the streets of Madurai which sells jasmine flowers, snacks, etc. They can get to know about the special Gods and idols of the temple.