Sri Kallazhagar Perumal Temple , Thirumaalirunsolai (Alagar Kovil, Madurai)
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📍 Thirumaalirunsolai (Alagar Kovil), Madurai, Tamil Nadu
International SignificanceThe 66th Divya Desam at Alagar Kovil is the forested hill shrine of the incomparably handsome Kallazhagar, famed for the holy Noopura Gangai spring and the grand Chithirai festival where Azhagar rides into the Vaigai river.
🕒 Practical Information
🕉️ Spiritual Details
Sri Sundararajan / Kallazhagar (Nindra Kolam)
Moolavar: Sri Paramaswamy / Sundararajan (Nindra Kolam / Standing posture facing East in the forested Alagar hills); Utsavar: Kallazhagar (Azhagar); Thayar: Sundaravalli Thayar; Vimanam: Somachanda Vimanam; Theertham: Noopura Gangai (Silambaru River), Hamsa Pushkarini; Pratyaksham: Sage Mandooka, King Malayadhwaja Pandya, Yama.
🕉️ Divine Snapshot
Sri Sundararajan / Kallazhagar (Nindra Kolam)
Valaiyapatti, Tamil Nadu 625301
Spiritual Highlights
UNVERIFIED
The water of the hill spring Noopura Gangai retains medicinal purity and never changes in taste throughout the year.
Trekking three kilometers up the sacred hill to bathe in the Noopura Gangai spring, offering worship at the Padinettam Padi Karuppannaswamy gate.
UNVERIFIED
About Sri Kallazhagar Perumal Temple , Thirumaalirunsolai (Alagar Kovil, Madurai)
Sri Kallazhagar Perumal Temple in Thirumaalirunsolai (Alagar Kovil), nestled in the lush forested Alagar hills 21 km north of Madurai, Tamil Nadu, is the 66th Divya Desam. It is one of the most celebrated temples in Tamil literature, sung in 128 pasurams by Periyalvar, Andal, Boothathalvar, Peyalvar, Nammazhwar, and Thirumangai Alvar.
The presiding deity is Sundararajan (the Beautiful Lord), whose Utsavar is lovingly called Kallazhagar (the Handsome Thief who steals hearts). The temple is world-famous for the monumental Chithirai Festival: on the full moon day of Chithirai, Lord Kallazhagar journeys on His golden horse to Madurai to deliver liberation to Sage Mandooka in the Vaigai river, a festival witnessed by over a million pilgrims.
High up in the forested hills behind the temple flows the sacred perennial spring Noopura Gangai (Silambaru), said to have originated from the celestial waters that washed the divine anklet (Noopura) of Lord Trivikrama when His foot pierced the heavens. At the temple's main threshold stands the fearsome guardian deity Pathinettam Padi Karuppannasamy (Karuppu of the 18 Steps), before whom no one dares speak an untruth.
Architecture & Heritage
Dravidian Pandya and Nayak Architecture (Sangam literature references (Silappadikaram); massive stone fortifications and gopurams constructed)
Somachanda Vimanam, seven-tier Rajagopuram, Padinettam Padi (18 steps) gate guarded by Karuppaswamy, Vasanta Mandapam with sculpted Nayak portrait statues.
Stone-carved Padinettam Padi doorway sealed with colossal wooden panels, ancient processional gold idol of Kallazhagar.
Rituals & Traditions
Six daily kalas per Vaikanasa Agama; all abhishekam water is transported daily exclusively from the hill spring Noopura Gangai.
Chithirai Festival, when Lord Kallazhagar processes mounted on a golden horse to enter the Vaigai River in Madurai before one million devotees.
Alagar Kovil Dosai (crispy ghee dosai seasoned with pepper and cumin), Sarkarai Pongal, Laddu.
Visitor Guidelines
Traditional dress code strictly enforced: Men must wear Dhoti/Kurta; Women must wear Saree or Salwar with Dupatta. Casual shorts not permitted.
Foothill temple courtyards are level with ramp facilities; mountain spring requires hill transport or stair ascent.
Frequently Asked Questions
🕉️ Divine Snapshot
Sri Sundararajan / Kallazhagar (Nindra Kolam)
Sundaravalli Thayar Sannidhi, Pathinettam Padi Karuppannasamy (Guardian Sannidhi), Noopura Gangai (Silambaru Mountain Spring), Andal Sannidhi (Who offered 100 pots of butter & akkaravadisal), Yoga Narasimha Sannidhi, Chakrathazhwar Sannidhi, Sri Ramanuja Sannidhi, Alvars Sannidhi
Valaiyapatti, Tamil Nadu 625301
How to Reach
Madurai Airport (IXM) (approx 32 km)
Madurai Junction (MDU) (approx 21 km)
Alagar Kovil Bus Stop (approx 0.2 km)
