Thirumaliruncholai Sri Kallazhagar (Azhagar malai) Temple, Madurai

Address

Thirumaliruncholai Sri Kallazhagar (Azhagar malai) Temple, Azhagar Kovil (Po.), Madurai (Dt). PIN – 625 301. Telephone Number 0452 – 2470228.

Deity

Kallazhagar, Paramaswamy, Sundararajar(Shiva) Amman: Kalyana Sundaravalli Thayar

Introduction

• Azhagar Kovil is a village in Madurai district, Tamil Nadu.
• The village’s history revolves around the Kallazhagar Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
• Built in the Dravidian style, the temple is part of the 108 Divyadesams glorified in the Divya Prabandha (6th–9th centuries AD).
• Lord Vishnu is worshiped as Kallazhagar, and Goddess Lakshmi as Thirumamagal.
• A sanctified eternal lamp burns perpetually in the temple.
• The Azhagar Malai (hill) symbolizes Dharma Devatha in mountain form.
• Constructed by Malaiyadhvaja Pandian (father of Madurai Meenakshi Amman) and renovated by Pandya and Vijayanagara Nayak kings.
• Sacred waters: Noobura Gangai, Chandrapushkarani, Garuda Theertham, and Hanumar Theertham.
• Temple tree: Sandalwood Tree.

Puranic Significance

• Yama Dharma Raja, under a curse, performed penance at Virusuba Giri (seven hills).
• Lord Vishnu, pleased by Yama’s devotion, granted him the boon of performing daily pooja, which continues as the Arthajama Pooja (midnight pooja).
• Chithirai Thiruvizha commemorates Vishnu’s attempt to attend Goddess Meenakshi’s wedding.
  • Vishnu was delayed by floods in the Vaigai River and could not reach the wedding in time.
  • Disheartened, he returned without entering Madurai.
  • The incident is reenacted during the festival, with Lord Kallazhagar entering the Vaigai River.

Special Features

• Covers 2 acres (0.81 hectares) with a five-tiered gopuram.
• Enclosed in a rectangular granite structure.
• Central shrine houses Sundarabahu Perumal (standing posture) with Sridevi and Bhudevi.
• Features two life-size statues of Lord Narasimha:
  • One holding Hiranyakashipu.
  • The other slaying him.
• Somachanda Vimana (circular-shaped tower) is a unique architectural feature.

Festivals

• Chithirai Festival (April-May):
  • Reenacts Lord Kallazhagar’s journey to Madurai and symbolic entry into the Vaigai River.
  • Attracts lakhs of devotees seeking blessings.

Century/Period/Age

1000-2000 years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Thirumaliruncholai (Azhagar malai)

Nearest Railway Station

Madurai

Nearest Airport

Madurai

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