Azhagar Koil - Madurai Tourism

About 13 miles south of Madurai lines the Alagar (or Azhagar) Hill, named after the temple that is situated at its base. It is believed that this Vaishnavaite temple has been present since two millennia, but the deity acquired its name “Azhagar” (the handsome one) many years later . The temple is considered to be one of six abodes of Lord Subramanya.

This area was under the influence of the Kalhars – a bandit caste, for many years. Overtime, the temple also came to be known as the Kalh – Azhagar temple. On a normal day, one can see monkeys sauntering about casually across the temple grounds.

As the story goes: Azhagar the brother of Meenakshi is two days late for her (Meenakshi’s) wedding to Sundereshwar. While proceeding towards Madurai for the wedding , he comes to know of the misunderstanding regarding the wedding date hence, he does not cross the river and enter into Madurai. The Chithirai festival is a replay of these events. However some scholars believe that Azhagars procession to Vagai river has nothing to do with Meenakshi’s wedding and that the two events were combined by Thirumalai Nayakar.

Whatever the case maybe, the Azhagar koil is a jewel in the middle of a lush mountain scape. If one is lucky, there may even be an elephant at the temple, whose blessings one may seek ( for a small amount of money for his services of course!) Palmuthirsolai (Ripe fruit green) is situated 4 kms above and so is the Nuburagangai – a place where pilgrims can take a holy dip.