Kudal Azhagar temple lies few km from Madurai on the way to Palamurthir Cholai, one of the six sacred abodes of Lord Muruga. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. There are some beautiful stone sculptures on the pillars of the hall. Even more beautiful sculptures and paintings are found inside the temple. As photography is banned inside the temple, those beautiful sculptures lie hidden there. It is unfortunate that the western world has little or no chance of seeing them. As non-Hindus are not allowed inside the temple, the ban on photography, as well as the restriction looks silly and primitive to me.

There is a popular belief that this temple is worshiped by thieves and they always contribute a part of their “loot” to the temple. The gopuram has some interesting sculptures. Perhaps this is the only place I have seen, sculptures of western gentleman in trousers and coat, in a gopuram. Erotic sculptures are common in Hindu Temples, as the religion treat sex as sacred and part and partial of human life. But the erotic sculptures here are very crude looking. In the temple compound there is a fairly thriving market, where sweet toddy is also sold. Sweet toddy is the first phase of tapping from either coconut or palmarayha tree. It is in the form of sucrose. Sucrose on fermentation gives alcohol the toddy. On further fermentation it yields acetic acid.

It is only few kms from Madurai and can be reached by bus or even a auto or car.