Thirumaliruncholai Divyadesam: The Majestic Azhagar Koil (Kallazhagar Temple)

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• November 27, 2025
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Temple Snapshot: Key Deities and Features
Detail Description
Common Names Sri Kallazhagar Perumal Temple, Azhagar Koil
Location Approximately 20 KM West of Madurai, at the base of Azhagarmalai.
Moolavar (Main Deity) Azhagar / Kallazhagar
Posture Grand Standing Posture, facing East, with Abhaya Hastham (blessing hand gesture).
Thayar (Consort) Kalyana Sundaravalli Nachiyar
Utsava Perumal (Procession) Sundararajan
Vimanam (Tower) Devachandra Vimanam (also known as Soma Sundara Vimanam)
Theertham (Holy Tank) Papavinasa Theertham & Nūpura Gangai (Silambaru)
💎 Unique Spiritual and Architectural Facts

1. The Divine River: Nūpura Gangai
   The sacred river Nūpura Gangai (Silambaru), which flows 3 KM above the temple, holds a celestial origin story:
   • During the Vamana Avatar, when Lord Vishnu measured the universe, His lifted foot touched Sathya Lokam.
   • Lord Brahma, witnessing the Holy Foot, performed Padhabishegam (worship with water) using the Ganges.
   • This holy water flowed down through the Golden Silambu (anklet) of the Perumal, thus creating the Nūpura Gangai.
   • Significance: Even today, the annual Thirumanjanam (sacred bath) for the Utsavar in the Tamil month of Aipasi (Sukla Paksha Dwadasi) is performed directly with the water from Nūpura Gangai.
2. The Unfinished Shadowless Vimanam
   • The Devachandra Vimanam was originally built by Dharma Rajan (Yama) and later redesigned by Viswakarma on the instruction of the King who was captivated by the Moon (Chandran).
   • Miracle: Like the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur, the shadow of the Vimanam reportedly never falls down on the ground—a testament to its unique construction.
   • The hill is also known as Virushabadhri, named after the Virushaba Posture (bull form) in which Yama Dharma performed penance and received the prathyaksham (direct vision) of Lord Sundara Rajan.
3. The Only Divyadesam with Panchayudham
   Azhagar Koil is the sole Divyadesam where both the Moolavar (Kallazhagar) and the Utsavar (Sundararajan) are worshipped bearing the Panchayudham (Five Divine Weapons)—a very rare feature.
4. Pathinettampadi Karuppannaswamy
   • The main Eastern Entrance, protected by 18 steps, is guarded by Karuppannaswamy.
   • Legend: This deity protects the temple from the 18 Namboodhiris (wizards from Kerala) who were buried alive beneath these steps when they attempted to steal the Moolavar.
   • Significance: This Eastern entrance remains closed all year, except for nine days in the Tamil month of Aadi. Every night, the Artha Jama Pooja Naivedhyam (offering) and the garlands worn by the Moolavar are specially offered to Karuppannaswamy.
   🌺 The Grand Chithirai Festival (Azhagar Aatril Irangum Thiruvizha)
   • The most famous event is the annual procession, “Azhagar Aatril Irangum Thiruvizha,” where the Utsava Perumal travels 18 KM to the Vaigai River in Madurai.
   • This tradition was merged with the Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple Festival by Thirumalai Naayakar, symbolizing Shaivite and Vaishnavite unity.
   • Purpose: The journey is undertaken to grant Moksham (salvation) to the Sage Mandaka Maharishi.
   Azhagar and Andal: The Celestial Exchange
   • Andal’s Garland: On the way to the Vaigai River, Kallazhagar stops at the Thallaakulam Perumal Temple to ceremoniously receive and wear the Garland (Maalai) sent by Sri Andal of Srivilliputhur.
   • The Return Gesture: During Andal’s birthday (Thiruvadi Pooram Festival in Aadi month), Kallazhagar sends His own Attire to Srivilliputhur as a loving return offering, solidifying the sacred bond between the two Divyadesams.
   👑 Patronage and The Mottai Gopuram
   Many dynasties, including the Pandiyas, Cholas, and Vijayanagara Kings, renovated this temple.
   • Rayar Gopuram: The famous huge, unfinished tower is known as the Rayar Gopuram or Mottai Gopuram (Unfinished Tower). It was intended to be a magnificent structure by Krishnadeva Rayar of the Vijayanagara Empire

Thirumaliruncholai Divyadesam: The Majestic Azhagar Koil (Kallazhagar Temple) 0435 – 2463385

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