Alagar Koyil

Alagar Kovil (Tamil: அழகர் கோவில Alakar Kovil [ ko ː ˌ aɻəɡər ʋil ] " Alagar Temple ", also: Azhagar Kovil, Alagar Koyil, Alagarkoil ) is a Hindu temple in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is located 21 km northeast of Madurai in a rural area of the district of Madurai. The temple is dedicated to Vishnu as Alagar ( " the Fair " ) in shape. Alagar Kovil is under the name Tirumaliruncholai one of 108 Divya Desams ( sacred places of the Tamil Vaishnavism ).

The Temple of Alagar Kovil is situated in a picturesque location at the foot of a thickly wooded hill area with the name Alagarmalai. Built in the South Indian Dravidian style temple complex covers about 250 x 100 meters. The temple entrance is topped by a towering gopuram ( gate-tower ).

The local mythology, Vishnu is in its form as Alagar brother Minakshis, the chief deity of the city of Madurai. During the annual Chittirai - festival when in Madurai marriage Minakshis and Shiva is celebrated wear believer in a solemn procession a portrait of Alagar Kovil Alagars in the Meenakshi Temple of Madurai, so that the God can there to attend the wedding celebrations.

On the Alagarmalai Hill about three miles from Alagar Kovil is a shrine of the god Murugan ( Skanda ) named Palamudircholai. It is considered as one of six places of pilgrimage ( Arupadaividu ) that are dedicated to Murugan, although its membership to the group of Arupadaividu is not uncontroversial. A little further up the hill there is a temple of the local goddess Rakkayi Amman at the location of a source.

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