Introduction

Kallazhagar temple is one of the highly celebrated Vishnu temples of Tamil Nadu. It is a much-acclaimed Divyadesam, the holy abode of the Lord, glorified by many of the 12 Azhwar saints, in their sacred Divyaprabandham hymns. This temple is located in a picturesque surrounding, not far from Madurai city, in a place traditionally known as Thirumalirum Cholai and carries the name Alagar Koyil, at present. The principal deity is Lord Kallazhagar, and his consort is Thirumamagal. This Lord is said to have appeared to give salvation to sage Suthapas from the curse of sage Durvasa. The ‘Chithirai Thiruvizha’ or the Chithirai festival of this temple is an internationally renowned celebration that is observed for many days with much devotion and splendor. The main event of this festival is Kallazhagar crossing the Vaigai river, in Madurai, to participate in the marriage of his sister Goddess Meenakshi to Lord Sundareswarar. Lakhs of people gather to witness this event. It is said that as he descends in the river, he comes to know that his sister has already got married, and so, he returns to his abode.

Temple Legends

According to the legend, once sage Suthapas was bathing in the Nupura Ganga stream at the Azhagar Hill, and he failed to notice sage Durvasa approaching him. This angered the short-tempered Durvasa, and he cursed the sage to turn into a frog and declared that only Lord Sundararajar, renowned as Kallazhagar, can give him redemption, and bring him back to his original form. Sage Suthapas, who came to be called as ‘Manduka Maharishi’ since then, as Manduka means frog, performed severe penance in the river Vaigai bank. Pleased with the devotion of the sage, Kallazhagar appeared before him, blessed him, and restored him to his original human form.

The event of Lord Kallazhagar relieving Manduka Maharishi of his curse is being enacted from ancient times. Since 1653, when king Thirumalai Nayakar ruled the land, this event is celebrated in Vandiyur village.

The History and Architecture of Kallazhagar Temple, Alagar Koyil

This is quite an ancient temple built in the Dravidian style of architecture. The massive temple complex spreads across two acres, has tall towers and pillared halls, and is enclosed within imposing granite walls that run all around it. The temple, which resembles a fort in some respects, has an impressive seven-tiered Raja Gopuram, the majestic entrance tower. The sanctum sanctorum houses Lord Kallazhagar or Sundarabahu Perumal, in a standing posture, along with his consorts, Goddesses Sridevi and Bhudevi. There are separate shrines for his consort Sundaravalli Nachiyar, Andal, Yoga Narasimha, and Lord Sudarshana. This grand temple is also well-known for its exquisite Vijayanagara sculptures carved in hard granite.

There is a shrine for Lord Karupana Swami at the entrance, and one has to take eighteen steps to reach the shrine.

Temple Festivals

The Chittirai festival, when Azhagar travels to the Madurai city on the golden horse mount remains as its grandest celebration, observed annually during April-May, and draws people in great numbers from all over the state and the country. Besides, the Masi float festival of February-March, Navarathri of September-October, and Vaikunta Ekadasi of Margazhi (December-January) remain the other important festivals of the temple.

Benefits of worshipping Lord Kallazhagar

It is believed that Lord Kallazhagar’s grace can ensure abundant rainfall and improvement in agricultural, business, and trading activities. People also pray here for a successful marriage, progeny blessing, and family welfare. It is also believed that Yama, the God of death, worshipped Kallazhagar here, and hence praying to the Lord here can remove the fear of death and bestow confidence. The deity can also bless his devotees with good health and progress.