Azhagar Koil, Madurai
Deity Worshipped: Lord Vishnu As Azhagar
Also Known As: South Tirupati
Festival Celebrated: Chitrai Festival In April-May
Located 21-km northwest of
Madurai is a Vishnu temple
located on a picturesque wooded hill. Here Lord Vishnu presides as
Meenakshi's brother 'Azhagar'.
History Of The Temple
The Pandya kings and later the Naick kings of
Madurai were ardent devotees of
Azhagar and spent huge amounts for proper maintenance of the temple and
for constructing many Gopurams and Mandapams and conducting many
festivals. The temple suffered a lot in the middle of the 18th century
when it was looted and partly demolished by Hyder Ali and thus lost all
its wealth donated by kings and rich patrons of the past.
All the twelve Alwars, the Vaishnavite Saints, who visited this place,
have sung in praise of Azhagar and the beautiful hills. All these verses
numbering 123 may be seen in the Nalayira Divya Prabandam (4000 holy
verses), which is claimed to be the Tamil Veda of the Vaishnavites. The
place is also known as "South Tirupati".
About The Temple
It is one of the few temples in the country built in tiers. The tower
consists of 3 tiers depicting Lord Vishnu in 3 postures, sitting, standing
and reclining. The shadow of the Vimanam never falls on the ground.
On entering the temple, one can see the life-size sculptures carved in
the stone Mandapam built by Tirumalai Naicken. These are similar to those
found in Madurai temple. The deity is known as "Kalazhagar" as
he is the household deity of the Kallas, a low caste people.
The Picturesque Surroundings Of The Temple
The temple is situated amidst picturesque surroundings. The temple faces
east. The southern side is bounded by a hill running from east to west, 10
miles in length and 1,000 feet in height. It is full of green vegetation.
That being the background of the temple, it gives a panoramic view.
From the western side of the temple there is a passage leading to the
beautiful garden with fragrant flowers, coconut trees, etc and the passage
leads to the tank where many mendicants take shelter during mid-day.
Beyond that, to a distance of about three miles the mountain is very
green and there are fountains. Water from these fountains flows very near
the temple precincts. The pilgrims use the water, which flows into a tank,
for drinking and other purposes. In front of the temple also, towards
east, there is another big tank for the pilgrims to take purificatory bath
before getting into the temple.
Around the ancient temple there are ruins of an old fortified town. For
going to the temple, one has to cross through the gateways of the ruined
town. The famous Naicken King, Tirumalai Naicken, had a palace here
generally known as "Azhagapuri", his favourite place of
residence.
The Sthalapuranam
As the history of the temple is obscure, details of the temple given in
Varahapuranam, Brahmandapuranam, Vamanapuranam and Agnipuranam were
gathered and the sthalapuranam compiled.
Legend narrated to the Rishis of Naimisaranyam by Sutamuni, a student of
Vedavyasa, on the importance of this place, which is known as "Vrishapatri
Mahatmyam", is as follows: -
Once upon a time Yama, the Lord of Death, while going on pilgrimage to
all the sacred places on earth, was attracted by the beautiful panoramic
view of this place and immediately sat down for meditation. He was in the
form of Dharma Swarupa, Vrisha, and hence this place is known as "Vrishapatri".
Sri Narayana was pleased with the prayers of Yama and appeared before him
and blessed him with salvation. Yama was not pleased with his getting
moksham alone; he wanted that place also to prosper. Hence he requested
Narayana to stay there and to bless the people, to which Narayana agreed.
By that time Yama noticed that a halo of the moor was spreading around
the place and he ordered Viswakarma, the divine architect, to construct a
Vimanam at that spot in the shape of a moon. Viswakarma executed it in no
time. Narayana stayed in that Vimanam with Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi to bless
humanity.
The Festival Celebrated At The Temple
During the Chitrai festival in April-May, when the celestial marriage of
Meenakshi to Sundareswara is celebrated, Azhagar travels to Madurai.
Devotees in procession from Azhagar Kovil to Madurai for the wedding
ritual carry a gold processional icon called the "Sundararaja".
HOW TO GET THERE
Air: Madurai
is the nearest airport.
Rail:Madurai is the
nearest railway junction. It is an important railway junction on the metre
gauge of Southern railway.
Road: From Madurai town
buses, suburban buses, taxis, auto rickshaws and cycle rickshaws are
available to reach the temple.
WHERE TO STAY
Accommodation is available at the star, moderate class and small budgeted hotels, lodges and devasthanam cottages in Madurai.
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