Azhagar Koil: Gateways of Mukthi (Salvation) – Temples of India

Azhagar Koil, located at a distance of 21 km away from Madurai, Tamil Nadu, is one of the prominent temples that dates back to early Sangam age. By some references, the temple dates back to the Dwapara Yuga and finds references in Varaha Purana, Brahmanda Purana, Vishnu Purana, Thiruppugazh and in Sangam literature. Azhagar Koil is also known as Thirumaliruncholai, Uthiyana sailam, Vanagiri, Vrishabadhri and Solaimalai. The temple is known for its intricate sculptures and mandapams.

The main deity of Alagar Kovil temple is Lord Paramaswamy. The utsavar is Lord Azhagar or Sundararajan, who is the brother of Goddess Meenakshi. The consort of the Lord is Kalyana Sundaravalli . There are also separate shrines for deities Andal, Sudarshana and Yoga Narasimha.

According to a legend, Lord Vishnu had come down to divine marriage of Lord Sundareswarar and Goddess Meenakshi. Unfortunately, the marriage took place before his arrival and this is the place where he decided to reside instead. As per another legend, the presiding deity was worshipped by Yama, the god of death. He requested Vishnu to stay in the place and built a temple with the help of Vishwakarma, the divine architect. This temple has been mentioned in various sacred Hindu scriptures such as Dhivya Prabadha literature  and epics such as Silappathikaram.

The main tower entrance always remains closed and the steps behind the closed door is worshipped as ‘Pathinettaam padi Karuppan’. It is believed that Karuppar resides within the doors looking over the temple. Once in a year, the doors are opened and Chakrathaazhvar alone passes over through the open door. Karuppar also takes part in the day to day running of the temple such that every morning, the priest has to pause before the doors and promise that the water for Azhagar’s abhisheka is indeed brought from the Noopura Gangai (temple pool formed by the waters of Ganga) and not from anywhere else. At the end of each day, the accounts of the daily activities are laid before him.

Azhagar koil is famous for the celebration of Chithirai Thiruvizha. It is an annual event to celebrate the marriage of Meenakshi, who is Lord Azhagar’s sister.

During this event, Kallazhagar starts from Azhagar kovil and reaches Madurai on full Moon day. Here he steps into river Vaigai in his horse vaaganam (mount).  While Kallazhagar enters the river, he comes to know that his sister’s marriage is already over, he returns to Karuparayar Mandapam and then he takes ten avatars (incarnations) and finally returns to Azhagar Kovil in ‘Poo Pallakku'(Palanquin decorated with flowers). Every year, a huge crowd of people gather in Madurai to witness this spectacular event. “Ethir Sevai” festival is celebrated on the day before Azhagar steps into river Vaigai. It is a tradition for the people of Madurai to welcome the Lord.

Temple facts

Dhivyadesam No.	102
Dhivyadesam Name	Azhagar Koil
Main Deity	Sundararajan, Kalyana Sundaravalli
Location	Madurai,  Tamil Nadu (Pandya Nadu)
Architecture Style	Dravidian Style
Temple Age	2000 years
Azwars who did Mangalasasanam	Thirumangai, Periyazhwar, Nammazhwar, Andal, Bhoodathazhwar, Peyazhwar
Divyaprabandam reference	Peri. T. mozhi – 71, 258, 338-59, 453-62; Nachiyar T.mozhi-534, 587-96; Peri T.mozhi – 1022, 1114, 1329, 1573, 1634, 1760, 1765, 1818-37, 1855, 1969, 2020; T.K. Thandagam – 2034; I. T.Andhadhi – 2227, 2229, 2235; M.T.Andhadhi – 2342; S.T.Madal – 2673-74; T.V.mozhi – 2886-2918, 3733-44, 3749
Unique Specialties	Celebrations of Chithirai Thiruvizha when the Lord in his horse mount enters river vaigai. The presence of Karuppan as the protective deity at the entrance.
Prayers made for	Success in agriculture, business, rains, family issues
Popular Events	Chithirai Thiruvizha – April / May Aadi Brahmotsavam – Jul / Aug Theppa (float) Utsavam – Feb / Mar

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