Alagar Kovil – devika_tourism

Alagar Kovil

Alagar Kovil From Madurai

Alagar Kovil, located 20 kilometers from Madurai, is a sacred temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, known as Kalazhagar, and his consort Thirumamagal. As one of the 108 Divya Desams, the temple holds great religious significance. Legend speaks of Lord Kalazhagar redeeming Sage Suthapa, who had been cursed by Rishi Durvasa. The temple conducts six daily rituals and celebrates major festivals such as the Float Festival (Feb-Mar), Navarathri (Sep-Oct), and Vaikunda Ekadesi (Dec-Jan). The temple is managed by the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious & Endowment Board.

Sage Suthapa, while bathing in Nupura Ganga at Azhagar Hills, neglected to honor Rishi Durvasa, who cursed him to live as a frog until Lord Kallazhagar would save him. Meditating by the Vegavathi River in Thenur, Suthapa awaited Kallazhagar’s descent from the hills. The route Kallazhagar took through villages like Malaipatti and Alanganallur is still part of local tradition. In 1653, Thirumalai Nayak moved the Manduka Maharishi ritual to Vandiyur, where he built the Thennur Mandapam. Yama, the god of death, also worshipped here, imploring Vishnu to stay in these hills forever. The temple, following the Thenkalai tradition and showcasing Southern Indian architecture, celebrates the Alagar Thiruvizha every April-May, marking Kalazhagar's journey to Lord Chokkanadhar and Goddess Meenakshi’s wedding.