About Alagar Kovil
Alagar Kovil, also known as Kallazhagar Temple, is a historic Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu as Kallazhagar, located at the foothills of the Alagar Hills about 21 km northeast of Madurai in Tamil Nadu. Revered as one of the 108 Divya Desams, it is known for its Dravidian architecture, sculpted gopurams, and association with the Chithirai Festival when the deity is taken to Madurai.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a large Dravidian-style temple complex with towering gopurams, pillared halls, mandapams and a sanctum housing the Kallazhagar deity. The temple is set at the base of forested Alagar Hills with stone steps, temple tanks and shops selling offerings around the entrance. Inside, visitors can observe rituals, view intricate stone carvings and explore the surrounding hillside area including the nearby Noopura Gangai spring.
Key highlights
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One of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Lord Vishnu as Kallazhagar
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Dravidian architecture with ornate gopurams and sculpted mandapams
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Scenic location at the foothills of the Alagar Hills
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Noopura Gangai sacred spring located uphill from the temple
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Close proximity to Pazhamudircholai Murugan Temple, one of the Six Abodes of Murugan
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Annual Chithirai Festival procession to Madurai
History of Alagar Kovil
The temple's origins are traced to early historic periods with references in Sangam literature as Thirumaliruncholai. The present structure shows contributions from the Pandyas, later expanded by Vijayanagara rulers and the Nayaks of Madurai, featuring classic Dravidian architectural elements, inscriptions and mandapams.
Culture & Context
Revered as one of the 108 Divya Desams sung by the Alvars, the temple is dedicated to Kallazhagar, regarded as the brother of Goddess Meenakshi of Madurai. It is central to the annual Chithirai Festival where the deity is carried in procession to the Vaigai River in Madurai, drawing large numbers of pilgrims.
Route
| By air |
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