Alagar Kovil

Last updated

Alagar Kovil
madurai
village
AzhagarKovil Madurai.JPG
Coordinates: 10°04′29.45″N78°12′47.15″E / 10.0748472°N 78.2130972°E / 10.0748472; 78.2130972
CountryFlag of India.svg  India
State Tamil Nadu
District Madurai
Elevation
266 m (873 ft)
Languages
  Official Tamil
Time zone UTC+5:30 (IST)

Alagar Kovil is a village in Madurai district in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The history and living of the village is centered around Kallazhagar Temple. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is glorified in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham , the early medieval Tamil canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th–9th centuries CE. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshiped as Kallalagar and his consort Lakshmi as Tirumamagal. [1]

Contents

Kallalagar Temple

One of the broken gateway towers of the temple Azhagarkovil2.jpg
One of the broken gateway towers of the temple

Kallalagar Temple covers an area of about 2 acres (0.81 hectares) and has a five-tiered gopuram (gateway tower). The temple is enclosed in a rectangular enclosure with huge granite walls. The central shrine houses the image of the presiding deity, Sundarabahu Perumal in standing posture. The images of Sridevi and Bhudevi are also housed in the sanctum. There are two life size images of Narasimha, the avatar of Vishnu. One of them is shown holding the demon Hiranya and other slaying him. [2]

The temple houses some rare Vijayanagara sculptures similar to the ones present in Soundararajaperumal Temple, Thadikombu, Krishnapuram Venkatachalapathy temple, Srivilliputhur Divya Desam and Jalakandeswarar Temple, Vellore. The temple also has one of the unique deities Chakaratalvar (Alvar) where the god with chakram having 16 hands and 16 weapons is without Narasimha above him. [3]

Chithirai Festival

Chithirai festival of this temple celebrated for ten days is one of the declared festivals of Tamil Nadu government. This festival day is declared as a local holiday. In Chithirai (April-May), Kallalagar starts from Alagar Kovil in the form of Kallar [4] and reaches Madurai on Pournami (Full Moon day). Here he steps into river Vaigai in his Horse Vaganam. Lakhs of devotees flock to river Vaigai to see this event. "Ethir Sevai" festival is celebrated on the day before Alagar steps into river Vaigai. Ethir Sevai is a part of the Chithirai Tiruvila of the Kallalagar temple at Alagar Kovil and begins on the fourth day. On this day, Alagar or Vishnu changes his appearance as Kallar and travels via Kallar Nadu and enters Madurai and the city’s residents welcome him. [5] It is a tradition for the people of Madurai to welcome Alagar.

As Alagar returns from Vandiyur Dhasavatharam, festival is celebrated throughout the night at Ramarayar Mandapam in the Northern part of river Vaigai. After this event, Alagar is taken to Mysore Veera Mandapam on decorated Anantharayar Palanquin. The next morning Alagar in the form of Kallar returns to Alagar kovil in ‘Poo Pallakku' (Palanquin decorated with flowers)

In the month of April and May, each year the great Chitra festival is celebrated on Pournami (full moon day). The festival dramatically re-enacts the visitation of Kallalagar to Madurai from Alagar Koyil. Lakhs of devotees flock to river Vaigai to personally witness the event of Alagar stepping down into the river and to get his blessings.

During the months of July and August the festival of Adi Brahmotsavam is being celebrated for 10 days. This festival occurs within the precincts of the shrine. Devotees from different parts of Tamilnadu throng to participate in this festival. The temple car ‘Amaiththa Narayanan’ is taken in procession during Pournami (Full-Moon day) of Adi (Brahmotsavam).

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Uthamar Kovil</span> Vishnu temple in Tiruchirapalli

Uthamar Kovil in Uthamarkoil, a village in the outskirts of Tiruchirappalli in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to the Hindu Trimurti of Vishnu, Shiva, and Brahma. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is glorified in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th–9th centuries CE. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Purushothaman Perumal and his consort Lakshmi as Poornavalli Thayar.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Manamadurai</span> A First Grade Municipality in Sivagangai District

Manamadurai is a Municipality Town in Sivaganga district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Manamadurai falls under Manamadurai Legislative assembly. It is a river based settlement town. River Vaigai makes its way through the town bifurcating it into two parts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Koodal Azhagar Temple</span> Hindu temple in Madurai

Koodal Aḻagar Temple in Madurai, a city in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is glorified in the Naalayira Divya Prabandham, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th–9th centuries CE. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Viyooga Sundarrajan, and his consort Lakshmi as Mathuravalli.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bhaktavatsala Perumal Temple, Thirunindravur</span> Vishnu temple in Chennai

Sri Bhaktavatsala Perumal temple is a Hindu temple, located at Thirunindravur, a western suburb of Chennai, India. It is dedicated to the Hindu deity Vishnu. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is glorified in the Naalayira Divya Prabandham, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th–9th centuries CE. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Bhaktavatsala Perumal and his consort Lakshmi as Ennai Petra Thayar.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yathothkari Perumal Temple</span> Hindu temple in Kanchipuram

Tiruvekkaa Temple or Yathothkari Perumal Temple is a Hindu temple located in Kanchipuram in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu and dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is glorified in the Naalayira Divya Prabandham, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th–9th centuries CE. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Yathothkari Perumal, and his consort Lakshmi as Komalavalli.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hara Saabha Vimocchana Perumal Temple</span> Hindu temple in Thanjavur

Hara Saabha Vimochana Perumal Temple in Thirukandiyur, a village in the outskirts of Thiruvayaru in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is glorified in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th–9th centuries CE. It is one of the 108 Divya Desam dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Hara Saabha Vimochana Perumal and his consort Lakshmi as Kamalavalli Nachiyar.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jakath Rakshaka Perumal temple</span> Vishnu temple in Kumbakonam

The Jagad Rakshaka Perumal Temple or Thirukoodalur in Vadakurangaduthurai, a village in the outskirts of Kumbakonam in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is glorified in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th–9th centuries CE. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Jakath Rakshaka and his consort Lakshmi as Pushpavalli.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Badri Narayanan temple</span>

Badri Narayanan temple is a Hindu temple in the Madurai District in the entrance of Alagar Koil in the state of Tamil Nadu, India.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nachiyar Koil</span> Hindu temple in Thanjavur, India

Nachiyar Kovil or Thirunarayur Nambi Temple is a Hindu temple in Thirunarayur, a village in the outskirts of Kumbakonam in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu and her consort lakshmi. Nachiyar koil is one of 2 divyadesams were Lakshmi is pradaana over Vishnu. Thirunaraiyur is the sub urban region of business city of Kumbakonam.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Meenakshi Tirukalyanam</span> Annual Tamil Hindu festival in Madurai, India

The Meenakshi Tirukalyanam festival, also known as Chithirai Tiruviḻa or Meenakshi Kalyanam, is an annual Tamil Hindu celebration in the city of Madurai during the month of April. The festival, celebrated during the Tamil month of Chithirai, is associated with the Meenakshi Temple, dedicated to the goddess Meenakshi, a form of Parvati and her consort Sundareshvara, a form of Shiva.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thiruvali-Thirunagari</span> Pair of Hindu temples in Tamil nadu

The Thiruvali - Thirunagari Temples are paired Hindu temples dedicated to Vishnu located 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) from Sirkali in Tamil Nadu, India, and 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) from each other. It is one of the Divya Desams, the 108 temples of Vishnu revered by the 12 poet saints, or Alvars. Unlike other Divya Desams where a single shrine is referred, this pair of temples is referred to together in all of the 41 pasurams (hymns). These temples follow the Tenkalai mode of worship.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Parimala Ranganatha Perumal Temple</span> Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu in Thiruvilandur, India

Parimala Ranganathar Perumal Temples or Tiruindaloor is a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu, located in Thiruvilandur of Mayiladuthurai, a town in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is one of the Divya Desams, the 108 temples of Vishnu revered in Nalayira Divya Prabandham by the 12 poet saints, or the Alvars. This temple is along Kaveri and is one of the Pancharanga Kshetrams.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gajendra Varadha Temple</span> Hindu temple in Thanjavur

The Gajendra Varadha Perumal Temple in Thirukkavithalam, a village in the outskirts of Papanasam in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is glorified in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th–9th centuries CE. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Gajendra Varadha Perumal and his consort Lakshmi as Ramamanivalli. The temple is one of the five Pancha-Kannan temples, where Krishna, an avatar of Vishnu is given prominence over the presiding deity.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thanjai Mamani Koil</span> Hindu group of temples

Thanjai Mamani Koil, Thirutanjai, or Thanjavur Perumal koil is a set of three adjacent Hindu temples dedicated to Vishnu located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the Divya Desams, the 108 temples of Vishnu revered by the 12 poet saints called the Alvars. Unlike other Divya Desams where a single shrine is referenced, this set of temples is referred together in all the pasurams.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nathan Kovil</span> Hindu temple of Vishnu near Kumbakonam, India

Nathan Kovil or Thiru Nandipura Vinnagaram Temple in Nathan Kovil, a village in the outskirts of Kumbakonam in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is glorified in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th–9th centuries CE. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Jagannathan and his consort Lakshmi as Shenbagavalli.

The Nava Tirupati refers to a group of nine Hindu temples dedicated to Vishnu, located on the Tiruchendur-Tirunelveli route, Tamil Nadu, India, on the banks of the Thamirabarani river. Each of these temples is classified as a Divya Desam, counted as one among the 108 temples of Vishnu, revered by the 12 poet-saints of the Tamil Vaishnava tradition, the Alvars.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Srivaikuntanathan Perumal temple</span> Hindu temple of the god Vishnu in Srivaikuntam, India

Srivaikuntanathan Perumal Temple in Srivaikuntam, a town in Thoothukudi district in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. It is located 22 km from Tirunelveli. Constructed in the Tamil style of architecture, the temple is glorified in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th–9th centuries CE. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Vaikunthanathar and his consort Lakshmi as Vaikunthavalli. The temple is also classified as a Nava Tirupati, the nine temples revered by Nammalvar located in the banks of Tamiraparani river. The temple is next only to Alwarthirunagari Temple in terms of importance among the nine Navatirupathi temple. The temple is one of the Navagraha temples in Vaishnavism, associated with Surya, the sun god.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Srinivasa Perumal Temple, Tirukulandhai</span> Vishnu temple in Tamil Nadu

Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple or Sri Mayakoothar Permual Temple is one of the Nava Tirupatis, nine Hindu temples dedicated to Vishnu located Perungulam along Tiruchendur-Tirunelveli route, Tamil Nadu, India in the southern bank of Thamiraparani river. It is located 5 km from Alvar Thirunagari. All these 9 temples are classified as Divya Desams, the 108 temples of Vishnu revered by the 12 poet-saints of Sri Vaishnavism called the Alvars. The temple is referred to as Shani sthalam, a location for the planet deity, Shani (Saturn). Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is glorified in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th–9th centuries CE. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Mayakoothar and his consort Lakshmi as Kulandhaivalli Tayar.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vaishnava Nambi and Thirukurungudivalli Nachiar temple</span> Vishnu temple in Tirunelveli

Vaishnava Nambi and Thirukurungudivalli Nachiar Temple in Thirukkurungudi, a village in Tirunelveli district in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. It is located 45 km from Tirunelveli. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is glorified in the Naalayira Divya Prabandham, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th–9th centuries CE. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Vaishnava Nambi and his consort Lakshmi as Thirukurungudivalli. The temple is locally referred as Dakshina Vaikuntam, the holy abode of Vishnu.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kallalagar Temple</span> Hindu temple of Vishnu in Alagar Koyil, India

KallalagarTemple or Kallazhagar Temple, also known by its own toponym Thirumaliruncholai, is a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu in Alagar Koyil, a village in Madurai district in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is glorified in the Naalayira Divya Prabandham, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th–9th centuries CE. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshiped as Kallalagar, and his consort Lakshmi as Thirumagal. This temple is called as Thirumaliruncholai in Sangam literatures and Naalayira Divya Prabandham sung by Tamil Alvar saints.

References

  1. M. S., Ramesh (1993). 108 Vaishnavite Divya Desams: Divya desams in Pandya Nadu. Tirumalai-Tirupati Devasthanam.
  2. Rao, A.V.Shankaranarayana (2012). Temples of Tamil Nadu. Vasan Publications. p. 229–31. ISBN   978-81-8468-112-3.
  3. S., Gopalakrishnan (December 1996). "The Raṅga-maṇḍapa of the Tāṭikkompu Temple A Study of an Iconographic Programme of the Vijayanagara Tradition". East and West. 46 (3/4): 415–431. JSTOR   29757285.
  4. Bayly, Susan (2004). Saints, Goddesses and Kings: Muslims and Christians in South Indian Society. pp. [40]. ISBN   9780521891035.
  5. "Chithirai festival". hindustantimes . 4 May 2020. Retrieved 6 July 2023.