Azhagar Kovil - Madurai

Alagarkovil, a village situated very near Madurai at the foot of the range of hills called Alagarmalai, is famous for its ancient . Vaishnavite temple, and the beauty of exquisite sculptures in the hall and other 'mandapams' of the temple. The Alwars have sung in praise of the deity of the place and the hills. In addition, Nakkirar, the Tamil poet has composed several popular poems about this deity. As the place itself suggests, the temple is dedicated to Alagar who is popularly known as Sundararajar. It is said that Alagar kovil attracted pilgrims even in the early days of the Sangam age.
Palamudhirsolai, one of the six abodes of Lord Subramanya is on the same hill, about 4 kms. above. A natural spring called Nuburagangai where pilgrims bath, is located here.
Guruji Sri Narendra Babu Sharmaji have asked to visit Lord Subramanya on Tuesday evening, offer pooja and stay that night over there and then visit Lord Vishnu, offer pooja with Tulsi.

Azhagar Koil KallAzhagar - Madurai

The most famous festival of Madurai takes place with the trip of Azhagar to Vaigai
5000 year old Thiru Maaliruncholai is on the foot of the Azhagar hills that extends 15 kms in width
As many as 6 Azhvaars have showered praise on the Lord at Thirumaaliruncholai, popularly known as Azhagar Koil with over a 100 beautiful Paasurams. This temple dates back to the times of Kalai Thunga Pandya and hence is said to be over 5000 years old.

In centuries gone by, the direction to this place was identified as being 150 kms South of Cauvery and about 150 kms East of Palani Hills.
Situated at the foot of the Azhagar hills, that runs almost 15 kms in width and over a 1000 feet in height, Azhagar Koil is about 20kms North of Madurai. Frequent buses ply between Madurai and Azhagar Koil. One can also take an auto to this temple from Madurai Railway Station. The road has been well laid out and one can reach Azhagar Koil in about 30-45 minutes.

Location
Malaiyath Thuvaja Pandya, one of the earliest of the Pandya kings led the construction/renovation of this temple. Following him, several Pandya Kings are said to have built the fort structure as well as maintained and renovated the Azhagar Koil. Chozha, Vijayanagara and Nayak rulers are also said to have contributed to this temple.

Krishnadeva Raaya, whose intent it was to build huge temple towers at Vaishnavaite temples, also started the construction of a big temple tower at Azhagar Koil. As with sevaral other temple towers, his defeat left this tower too unfinished. The temple tower is called Raya Gopuram or Mottai Gopuram (having remained unfinished).

Chitrai Festival
Every year in the Tamil month of Chitirai, Azhagar is taken on his Garuda Vaahanam on a 20 km procession. He is said to go to the Vaigai in Madurai to provide Moksham to Mandaka MahaRishi. During this trip, he stops at different places along the way, with the Maduraites welcoming him into the city.

On the way to the Vaigai River, KallAzhagar makes an important stop at Thallaakulam Perumal koil to collect the garland sent by Andaal of Srivilliputhur. Only after wearing this, does Azhagar get into the Vaigai River. During the Aadi Thiruvadi Pooram festival, marking the birthday of Andaal, Lord Azhagar sends his attire to Srivilliputhur as a ‘return gesture’ to her.

In course of time, Thirumalai Naayakar, the then ruler of the Pandya Kingdom decided to combine this festival with the Meenakshi Amman festival to make it the biggest festival of Madurai. The belief is that KallAzhagar makes it to Madurai to witness the wedding of his sister Meenakshi(Amman). This is yet another case of the Unity between Saivites and Vaishnavites.


18 Steps at Azhagar Koil
Once there was an attempt to take away the idol of KallAzhagar. A priest at this temple put together a team and captured the 18 men who had come there to steal the idol. These 18 men were so lured by the beauty of Azhagar that they prayed to the Lord and requested that they stay here for ever. It is believed that each of these 18 men have taken a step each and now reside in the 18 steps of the temple at the main Eastern entrance.

Realising their mistake, they sought to act as security guards of the Lord and solve any issues relating to the people. Hence, KaruppannaSwamy almost acts as a court to solve all issues in this area and is said to provide a fair judgment for those who believe in him.

As a mark of this event, there is an image of ‘Karuppanna Swamy’ (the representative of these 18 men) at the main entrance. This main Eastern Entrance remains closed through the year except for 9 days in the Tamil month of Aadi and one can get inside the temple through the North East entrance. Every night, during the pooja time, the flowers adorned by the Lord is brought to Karuppana Swamy.

Andaal Weds Azhagar
Andaal and her father PeriAzhvaar are said to have come here from Srivilliputhur and legend has it that Lord Ranganatha of Srirangam appeared before Andaal as Azhagar and married her. Andaal who had promised to provide Azhagar with 100 pots of sweet morsel and butter could not do so as she merged with Lord Ranganatha. Much later, Ramanuja fulfilled her promise by providing the Lord with the morsel and butter. As a thanking gesture, Andaal is said to have called him ‘Annan’, as a result of which Ramanuja came to be called ‘Kovil Annan’.

How to Reach:
Alagarkovil is only 21 kms from Madurai and is connected by an excellent road. Frequent buses operate to this place from Madurai. Taxis are also available. There are a few rest houses at Alagar koil, but it is advisable to stay at Madurai where excellent lodgings of all grades are available.

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