History, Importance, Timings, Festivals, Architecture, Interesting Facts and Travel Guide of Alagar Kovil Temple, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
Alagar Koyil Temple, one of the ancient temple also known as Azhagar Kovil or Kallazhagar Temple is located in small village Alagar Kovil, at the foothills of Alagar hills and just 21 km northern east of Madurai – the temple city, Tamil Nadu. This temple is dedicated to supreme Lord Vishnu and one of the important pilgrimage shrine nearby the Madurai. Along with this, intricate sculpting mandapams built in Dravidian style beautiful architecture and natural lush green surrounding area attract visitor here during their Madurai trip. The Alagar Hill, also known as Solaimalai which is named after Lord Vishnu or Thirumal and it is believed to be highly sacred for Hinduism and also associated with Jainism as some of the Jain monks were used to stay here. There are lots of inscriptions related to different dynasties like Pandyan king, great Ashoka etc. are found here, thus, it is believed to be very ancient sacred region.
There are several tales associated with temple, according to one legend, Lord Vishnu had come down to see the divine marriage of Lord Sundareswarar – form of Lord Shiva and Goddess Meenakshi – form of Ma Devi Parvati. But marriage was completed before arrival lord Vishnu. During his returned back, at this place Lord Azhar, a form of Lord Vishnu resides. Thus, Algar Koil temple is believed to be the resting place of the Lord Vishnu. The temple is enclosed rectangular stockade with huge walls of granite. The central shrine houses the image of Sundarabahu Perumal in standing posture. Is also has the image of Sridevi and Bhudevi inside the temple. Here 'Vishnu' presides as Meenakshi's brother 'Azhagar'. The statue of the lord is made of stone and is a great masterpiece created from kallalgar. Several different statues in different postures of the Lord are all kept in the temple under the same roof and it is the best form of distinct temples in southern India.
Other tales associated with this holy shrine are, Pandava brothers, Yudhishtir and Arjun had visited here during the Mahabharata time. It is also said that Karudalwaar main disciple of Saint Ramajuna regain his lost vision at the temple complex.
The two life size images of Narasimha, the avatar of Vishnu. One of the image shows it holding the Hiranya and the other showing of slaying it. The Lord Vishnu was the brother of the Goddess Parvati (Meenakshi). The Lord Vishnu devotees comes here to worship the Lord Vishnu as they believed that the Lord Vishnu is the ultimate truth, protector, preserver, full of light, Love, wisdom, resides in the hearts of all being, and saviour of all of us.
It is believed that Pandyan kings had contributed most in the construction of temple where the massive tower at the entrance attracts visitor at first sight. Jatavarman Sundara Pandyan had beautified the vimana with gold plates during 13th century. After the Pandyan rule, King Thirumalai Naickar of Nayakas dynasty expanded the temple beauty with many artistic features and kalyan mandapam.
The idols of Lord Narasimha, Lord Krishna, Manmathan, Rathi seated on a parrot and Lord Vishnu on Garuda, Tirumala Nayaka etc. showcase the ultimate craftsmanship of the ancient time. Noopura Ganga teertham, which is believed to have fallen directly from heaven, is visited by almost every devotee and it is said that taking a holy bath in its waters will fulfil desires.
In Annual Chithirai festival, Lord kallalagar starts from Alagar Kovil in the form of Kallar and reaches Madhurai on Poonam (full moon day). Millions of devotee around the world visits here during this festival. During the month of July-August the festival of Aadi Brahmmorchavam is being celebrated for 10 days.
How to reach Alagar Koyil Temple, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
Alagar temple is well connected to Madhurai at a distance of 21kms. There are very frequent buses from Madhurai to the hills. The nearest airport is in Madhurai at a distance of 37kms and the nearest Railway route is in Madhurai at a distance of 30kms.
