Aalagar Kovil Madurai

Aalagar Kovil Madurai is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Abhishekam to the deity will be performed with the water from Noopura Gangai which on the hill 1000 feet high. The goddess is called Soundravalli or Kalyana Sundara Valli. The deity is favorite for Kallar community living there, the Lord is called Kallazhagar. It is said that the Idol changes color and becomes black if water is used from any other source. It is also said that some fifty years ago beads of perspiration were found on the idol during summer.

Aalagar Kovil Madurai History

It was mentioned in the Mahabharata that Dharma, elder of Pandavas came to Vrishabadri on his pilgrimage for the holy bath. The Vamana Purana shows how Yama and Markandeya worshipped Alagar. It was mentioned in Agneya Purana that Arjuna came to Hills here for worship. King Mahabali the grandson of Prahlada became all powerful as the rulers of the three worlds. Lord Vishnu incarnated as Vamana and sent Mahabali to Pathala Loka. As per the Legends, Lord Vishnu as Trivikrama raised one his feet above; Brahma in Satya Loka washed His father’s foot with the water in the Kamandala; thus the Silambaru or Noopura Gangai is said to have originated. It is believed that one who takes a bath in this Tirtha for 12 continuous days will attain salvation.

Aalagar Kovil Madurai festival

The Chitra festival is the most famous and important. This festival attracts thousands of devotees from all parts of Madurai. This festival will be performed for Nine days and on the Full moon day Kallazhagar reaches the banks of the river Vaigai.