Azhagar Kovil, one of the sacred Divya Desams sung by the Alwars, is located in Tamil Nadu at 10.5° latitude and 78.14° longitude. It is situated in Melur Taluk of Madurai district, approximately 21 kilometers north of Madurai city.
Alwars’ Hymns (Pasurams)
Five Alwars have sung hymns in praise of this temple. Notably among them are:
- Poothathalwar
- Periyalwar
- Andal
- Nammalwar
- Thirumangai Alwar
In total, 108 hymns (Pasurams) have been composed in praise of Azhagar Kovil.
- Periyalwar mentions the temple in three Thirumozhis.
- Andal sings about it in her Thirumozhi.
- Nammalwar in four Thirumozhis.
- Thirumangai Alwar in two Thirumozhis.
- Poothathalwar refers to the temple in just two hymns.
Apart from Poothathalwar, the other four mention Azhagar Kovil in fourteen other instances across various hymns.
Andal’s Divine Connection to Azhagar Malai
Azhagar Malai (the hill) is where Andal performed penance, aspiring to marry Lord Krishna (Kannan). Unique to Azhagar Kovil, Andal is worshipped in a seated posture, unlike other temples where she is depicted standing.
Andal wished to prepare and offer 100 vessels of Akkaravadisal (sweet dish) upon marrying Krishna — a vow she made at this very hill.
Although Andal eventually united with Lord Ranganatha of Srirangam, it is believed that her wish was fulfilled at Azhagar Malai by Sri Ramanuja, as per temple legends. Even today, during the Madurai Chithirai Festival, Kallazhagar enters the Vaigai River adorned with the garland that Andal wore, brought from Srivilliputhur.
Chithirai Festival
The Chithirai Festival in Madurai is a combined Shaiva-Vaishnava celebration, integrating:
- The Meenakshi-Sundareswarar wedding (Shaiva tradition)
- Kallazhagar’s descent into the river (Vaishnava tradition)
To promote unity between the two sects, King Thirumalai Nayakar merged these festivals during his reign. Thus, the descent into the river, originally held in Thenur, later became part of the Vaigai River event in Madurai.
A story was developed stating that Kallazhagar (brother of Meenakshi) came to attend her wedding but returned after the marriage concluded before his arrival. However, an older legend predating Thirumalai Nayakar tells that Kallazhagar enters the river to redeem the curse of Sage Manduka and a crane.
Kallazhagar travels at least 70 km over 160 hours during the festival procession.
Padhinettaam Padi Karuppanasamy (Guardian Deity)
There is a local legend associated with Padhinettaam Padi Karuppasamy, the guardian deity of the temple.
It is believed that Karuppasamy, along with 18 followers, tried to subdue and bring Kallazhagar under control. But they were mesmerized by Azhagar’s divine beauty and transformed into 18 sacred steps. Karuppasamy has since been stationed as the chief guardian deity of the temple.
Legend of Noopura Ganga
When Lord Vishnu incarnated as Vamana, he asked King Mahabali for three feet of land. Mahabali agreed. Vishnu measured:
- One step across Earth (Bhuloka)
- One across Heaven (Brahmaloka)
With no space left for the third step, Mahabali surrendered himself to Vishnu.
As Trivikrama (the giant form of Vishnu), He measured the universe. At that time, Brahma washed His feet with sacred water from his kamandalu. It is believed that:
- Vishnu’s Noopuram (anklet) fell off and landed in Dhruva Mandala, a region below Brahmaloka.
- It later entered the celestial realm, became the Mandakini River, and flowed to Earth, becoming known as Ganga.
The river was later brought down to Earth by King Bhagiratha to absolve the sins of his ancestors. Lord Shiva bore the mighty river on His head to control its force. At Azhagar Malai, this divine stream is known as Noopura Ganga or Silambaraa, and also by names like Vanagiri and Rishabathri.
Annual Festivals at Azhagar Kovil
| Month | Festival Name |
|---|---|
| Chithirai | Kottagai Utsavam, Summer Festival |
| Vaikasi | Vasantha Utsavam |
| Aani | Periyaperumal Jyeshtabhishekam, Muppazha Utsavam |
| Aadi | Garuda Sevai, Thiruvadipooram, Ther Utsavam |
| Aavani | Thirupavithrotsavam, Uriyadi Utsavam |
| Purattasi | Vinayaka Chaturthi, Garuda Sevai, Navaratri, Vijayadasami |
| Aippasi | Deepavali, Oil Anointing Ceremony |
| Karthigai | Thirukarthigai Deepam |
| Margazhi | Thiruvadhyayana Utsavam (Pagal Pathu & Ira Pathu) |
| Thai | Chariot Festival (Sattath Ther), Kanu Festival, Taila Prathishta |
| Maasi | Float Festival (Theppotsavam), Gajendra Moksha |
| Panguni | Thirukalyana Utsavam (Divine Wedding) |