Alagar Koli
Alagar Koli is a popular Vishnu temple in Madurai in the state of Tamil Nadu. This temple is dedicated to Lord Alagar. Lord Vishnu presides here as Meenakshi's brother Alagar. As per the legend, he travels here during April - May during the Chaitra festival. This is the occasion of the celestial marriage of Meenakshi to Sundereshwar and it is celebrated in great pomp. The gold processional icon of the lord called as Sundararajar is carried by the devotees. This procession attracts a huge crowd and is from Alagar Koli to Madurai for the marriage rituals.
Alagar Koli is a small village situated on the foothills of the Alagarmalai. This place is very famous for its very ancient vaishnavite temple. The temple has panoramic surroundings and the temple is situated on a beautiful hill. The temple of Alagar Koli has some very beautiful carvings. There are exquisite sculptures in the hall and other Mandapam of the temple. There are several popular poems about this place and the deity. These poems sing praise of the lord and tell how this place attracted pilgrims from all over.
The location of the temple in Alagar Koli is very beautiful. The spot is located in very beautiful surroundings. There are ruins of historic fort around the temple. There is an impressive tower at the entrance and is believed to be built by the Pandayan King. There are sculptures that depicting scenes from the epics. Makayadhwaja, who founded the kingdom, first patronized this temple. Jatavarman Sundara beautified the temple in 1251 AD. He beautified the vimana with gold plates and later Krishnadevaraya endowed the temple with revenues of two villages for conducting regular festivals.
The Nayakas were the chief patrons of this deity. Kind Vishwanatha donated to the temple. The main deity is the Paramswamy and the processional idol is called as Alagar and Sundararajan. The idol is very beautiful and is made of pure gold. It is a fine example of craftsmanship of that period. The shrine of Sundaravalli is in the southern enclosure. The shrine in the north is dedicated to Andal.
Karuppannaswamy is the god of Kallars. There is a finely carved eighteen step that are held in great reverence by the devotees. As the story goes, no one can lie at this place. The hills surrounding the temple are high and there are a holy springs on them. The springs are called as Silamboru and Noopura Gangai. According to the tradition, the springs originated from the anklets of Maha Vishnu. This was during his incarnation as Trivikarma. The pilgrim's bath in these springs as these are considered holy waters. The spot of the temple and springs is full of natural scenery.
Palamudhirsolai is one of the six abodes of Lord Subramanya. It is on the hill about 4 kms above and there is a natural spring called Nuburagangai. Pilgrims take a holy dip in the divine waters of this spring before entering the temple.