The entire temple complex at Azhagar Koil, Madurai, is currently being renovated after a gap of over 15 years.
Located 20 kilometres north of Madurai at the foot of the Azhagar Hills, is the Sundararaja (Kallazhagar) Perumal Divya Desam, now known as Azhagar Koil, a temple that dates back to the Dwapara Yuga and one that finds reference in Varaha Purana, Brahmanda Purana, Vishnu Purana, Thiruppugazh and in Sangam literature.
Legend has it that Pandavas visited this place, a testimony to this being the Pandava cave that is near Azhagar Koil. Six Azhwars showered praise on the Lord with over 100 Pasurams referring to this place as Thirumaliruncholai. In centuries gone by, the direction to this place was identified as being 150 kilometres south of the River Cauvery and a similar distance East of Palani Hills.
Sacred Water
A four-kilometre walk up the Azhagar hills (dense terrain) takes one to Silambaru
waterfalls (Nupoora Ganga). It is believed that drops of sacred water fell at this place when Brahma was washing Lord Vishnu’s feet after his Trivikrama Avatar and that those drops spread as River Nupoora Ganga. To this day, the sacred water from Silambaru is used for the daily puja at this Divya Desam. Legend has it that one who bathes here and has the sacred water at Azhagar Koil will be cleansed of all sins.
Malaiyathwaja Pandya was one of the earliest of the Pandya kings who led the renovation of this temple. Following him, several Pandya Kings are said to have built the fort structure as well as maintained and renovated the Azhagar Koil. Chola, Vijayanagara and Nayak rulers are also said to have contributed to this temple. Krishnadeva Raya, whose intent it was to build huge temple towers at Vaishnavaite temples, also started the construction of a big temple tower at Azhagar Koil. However, his defeat left this tower unfinished.
18 Steps at Azhagar Koil
The story goes that once there was an attempt by magicians to take away the powers of Kallazhagar. Coming to know of this, a priest at this temple captured these 18 men who were so lured by the beauty of Azhagar that they prayed to the Lord and requested to stay there forever as his security guards and to solve any issues relating to the people in this area. To mark this event, there was an image of Karrupana Swamy (representing these 18 men) erected at the Eastern entrance of the temple. Karuppanna Swamy almost acts as a court to solve all issues in this area and is believed to provide a fair judgment for those who believe in him.
It is believed that the 18 steps of the temple at the Eastern entrance represent these 18 men. Every night, garland adorned by the Lord is brought to Karuppana Swamy.
Andal refers to Ramanuja as Kovil Annan. Andal had directed many of her paasurams at Azhagar of Thirumaliruncholai and as a marriage wish had promised to provide Azhagar with 100 pots of sweet morsel and butter but she could not fulfil her promise as she merged with
Lord Ranganatha of Srirangam. Much later, Ramanuja who came here, fulfilled her promise by providing the Lord with morsel and butter. As a thanking gesture, Andal is said to have called him ‘Annan’, and hence Ramanuja came to be called ‘Kovil Annan’.
Periazhwar, who had come here, was so impressed with Azhagar that he decided to remain here ever after and did not return to Srivilliputhur. Periazhwar attained moksha at this place.
Renovation
The entire temple complex at Azhagar Koil including the big Fort like walls, the temple towers, the water tank and the vahanas, is currently being renovated after a gap of over 15 years. All the vimanas including Somachanda Vimana that dates back to Ramanuja’s time are also being renovated. For details regarding contributions call 0452 2470228.
Quick Facts
Moolavar deity: Paramaswamy in a standing posture facing East.
Utsavar (Processional) deity: Kallazhagar or Sundararaja Perumal.
Goddess: Sundaravalli Thayar.
How to reach Azhagar Koil:
15 minutes travel (in bus) from Periyar Bus Stand/ Madurai Junction.
Devotees can also reach the shrine by taxi/auto by paying Rs.150-200 from Madurai Junction.
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