Alagar Koil

Pilgrimage

Photo Credit: Flickr

Distance (From Madurai): 21 Kms

Trip Duration (Including Travel): 2 Hours

Transportation Options: Bus / Cab

Travel Tips: Pazhamudhir Solai (4 Kms) can be visited along with place

At a distance of 21 km north-east of Madurai, Alagar Koil is a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu situated on a picturesque wooded hill. It is one of the major temples in Tamilnadu and an important pilgrimage site near Madurai city.

The temple is the abode of Lord Vishnu and is the sacred place for several followers of Lord Vishnu in the region. It is situated in the Alagar hills and is also known as Azhagar Kovil. Here 'Vishnu' presides as Meenakshi's brother 'Azhagar'. The statue of the lord is made of stone and is a great masterpiece created from kallalgar. Several different statues in different postures of the Lord are all kept in the temple under the same roof and it is the best form of distinct temples in southern India.

The impressive main tower at the entrance is believed to have been built by the Pandyan Kings. Jatavarman Sundara Pandyan (1251-1270 AD) has beautified the 'vimana' with gold plates. Later, during the reign of the Vijayanagar king Krishnadeva Raya, the temple has received good funding for conducting regular festivals.

Timings: 9 AM - 6:30 PM