Alagar Kovil Temple | History, Architecture & Timings

Located 21 km from Madurai, Alagar Kovil Temple, also known as Alagar Koil, is one of the famous temples at the foothills of Alagar Hills. The main deity is Lord Vishnu. Alagar Kovil Temple timings are from 6 am to 8 pm.

Details about Alagar Koil Temple

The temple has high religious importance and offers attractive architecture. The natural environment that surrounds this temple makes it even more enchanting. With a history dating back to the Sangam era, this temple is a must-visit on a trip to Madurai.

The Alagar Koil temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu Murthi and is known for its intricate carvings and mandapams. The Alagar Hills also hold great significance in Hinduism. This hill was called Alagar because Lord Tirumal is known here as Alagar; hence, the mountain is named after the Lord.

Alagar Kovil Temple History/Legends

Paramaswami is the main deity of Alagar Kovil temple. The processional idol of this temple is Lord Alagar or Sundararajan, the brother of Meenakshi Devi. This temple houses the shrine of Kalyana Sundaravalli, wife of Lord Alagar. 

There are also separate shrines for Andal, Sudarshana and Yoga Narasimha deities. There are many legends related to the Alagar Koil temple. According to a legend, Lord Vishnu came for the divine marriage of Lord Sundareshwar and Goddess Meenakshi. 

Alagar Kovil Temple

Unfortunately, a marriage took place before his arrival, so he turned away from the banks of the Vaigai River. This temple is the abode of Azhar, a form of Lord Vishnu.

This temple was mentioned in various sacred Hindu scriptures. There are 123 slokas describing the glory of this temple. Epics such as Silappathikaram also mention this temple and its magnificence. Alwars like Tirumangai Alwar, Peri Alwar, Nammalwar, Bhootalwar, Peyalwar, and Andal also tell the glorious history of the field in their songs.

In some of the caves here, inscriptions in Brahminical script can also be found on the rocks, indicating their existence in ancient times; various notes belonging to different dynasties can be discovered over a wide span of decades. 

This temple had a prominent place during the rule of the Pandyas. According to some legends, the Pandyan king Malayadwaja Pandyan and Dharma Devashai had an apparition of Swami in this temple. There are also inscriptions from the reign of King Ashoka. The great Jain monk Ajjanandi is said to have lived here with his disciples.

Construction of Alagar Kovil Temple

Alagar Koil Temple was built amidst a beautiful natural backdrop and historical ruins. It was said that the first king who frequented this temple and took care of it was King Malayadwaja Pandyan of the Pandyan regime. It had said that the Pandyan dynasty contributed a lot to the development of this temple. 

For example, during the reign of King Jatavarman Sundara Pandyan (1251-1270 A.D.), the temple sanctum flight was beautified with gold plates. The huge gopuram at the temple entrance was also built during the Pandyan kingdom. One can see intricate sculptures depicting stories from various epics.

After Pandyan Nayaka took charge, King Tirumalai Nayakkar added many artistic features to this temple during his reign. The Kalyana Mandapam in the temple mainly showcases Nayaka art. Many attractive sculptures beautify the mandapam.

The idols in the temple are also an example of unparalleled craftsmanship. The sculptures of Lord Narasimha, Krishna, Cupid, and Rathi sitting on a parrot and Vishnu on Garuda will take your breath away. The idol of Tirumala Nayaka is also worth admiring.

There are many shrines nearby. Almost every devotee visits Nupura Ganga, which has fallen directly from heaven. It was said that taking a holy bath in this water would fulfil the wishes of the devotees. Some other places to visit in Madurai near this shrine are Hanuman Theertham, Garuda Theertham and Uttara Narayanavani.

Timings of Alagar Kovil Temple

Alagar Kovil temple timings are 6 am to 12.30 pm. The temple will again be open for darshan from 3.30 pm to 8 pm.

DaysMorning TimingsEvening Timings
Monday6 am to 12.30 pm3.30 pm to 8 pm
Tuesday6 am to 12.30 pm3.30 pm to 8 pm
Wednesday6 am to 12.30 pm3.30 pm to 8 pm
Thursday6 am to 12.30 pm3.30 pm to 8 pm
Friday6 am to 12.30 pm3.30 pm to 8 pm
Saturday6 am to 12.30 pm3.30 pm to 8 pm
Sunday6 am to 12.30 pm3.30 pm to 8 pm

Best times to visit Alagar Kovil Temple

One of the perfect times to visit this temple is the Chithirai festival, celebrated in April or May. During this time, many devotees from all over the country for darshan. 

Meanwhile, Alagar goes to Madurai for the heavenly wedding of Meenakshi Devi and Sundareshwar. A mighty procession was organized from Alagar Kovil to Madurai, where the devotees carried Lord Alagar as Sundararajan.

Tourist Places near Alagar Kovil Temple

Accommodation near Alagar Temple

  • Poppys Hotel Madurai
  • Sterling V Grand Madurai
  • Courtyard by Marriott Madurai
  • JC Residency Madurai
  • Fortune Pandiyan Hotel

Alagar Kovil Temple Contact Details

  • Address: Alagar Kovil Temple, Alagar Kovil Village, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
  • Email Id: alagarkoilmadurai@gmail.com 
  • Temple Contact Number: 914522470228

How to Reach Alagar Kovil Temple?

By Road:

Alagar temple is well connected to Madhurai at a distance of 21 km. There are very frequent buses from Madhura to the hills. 

By Air:

The nearest airport is in Madurai at a distance of 37kms and 

By Train:

The nearest Railway route is in Madhura at a distance of 30 km.

FAQs

Which god is there in Alagar Kovil?

Kallagarh Temple (Kallajagar Temple) is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu in the village of Alagar Koil in the Madurai district of the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

Who is Alagar’s wife?

The processional idol of this temple is Lord Alagar or Sundararajan, the brother of Meenakshi Devi. This temple houses the shrine of Kalyana Sundaravalli, wife of Lord Alagar.

Who built Alagar Kovil Madurai?

The main gopuram at the entrance was believed to have been built by the Pandya kings. According to historical texts, Malayadhwaja Pandyan, son of Kulasekhara Pandyan, was the first emperor to patronize the temple.

What is Alagar Kovil dress code?

The best months to visit are September to March. The dress code for men is a shirt & trousers, dhoti or pyjama, and an upper garment. The preferred dress code for women is a saree or half saree with a blouse or pyjama and chudidhar with a top cloth.

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