Madurai, often hailed as the Athens of the East, is more than just a historic city — it is a spiritual heartbeat of Tamil Nadu.
Nestled in the serene Alagar Hills, the Azhagar Temple (Alagar Kovil) stands as one of the most revered shrines dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Rooted in ancient times, stories, and beautiful architecture, the temple is not only one of the 108 special Vaishnava temples (Divya Desams) but also a lively place for Tamil culture and festivals. One of its most interesting spots is the Pathinettam Padi Karuppasamy shrine, which becomes very active during the Chithrai festival and Aadi Pournami.
Historical and Scriptural Significance
Azhagar Temple is the only Vaishnava temple that held a place during the Sangam era. Dating back to the Sangam era, Alagar Kovil is praised in ancient Tamil literature, including the Silappatikaram and the Divya Prabandham. Referred to as Thirumaliruncholai, Solaimalai in classical texts, the temple was glorified by Alvars like Thirumangai, Periyalvar, Nammalvar, and Andal. The Pandya rulers, and later the Nayaks, were key patrons of the temple. Inscriptions credit kings such as Malayadhwaja Pandya, Jatavarman Sundara Pandya, and Thirumalai Nayak with significant renovations and gold gilding.
One of the temple’s most cherished legends tells of Lord Kallazhagar (Vishnu), the brother of Goddess Meenakshi, who descends from the hills each year to attend her celestial wedding in Madurai. However, he arrives late and returns without attending the marriage — a divine drama reenacted annually during the Chithirai Festival.
Architectural Marvel
Alagar Kovil showcases classic Dravidian architecture, particularly influenced by the Pandya and Nayak styles. Spanning a 2-acre granite complex, the temple's highlight is the seven-tiered raja gopuram, intricately carved and guarded by life-sized figures. Behind the closed west-facing Mukya Gopuram lies the mysterious Pathinettam Padi Karuppasamy shrine.
Inside, the garbhagriha (sanctum) houses Lord Kallazhagar in a majestic standing posture, flanked by Sridevi and Bhoodevi. The premises include mandapams and shrines for Sundaravalli Nachiyar, Andal, Yoga Narasimha, and Sudarshana Chakra, among others.
The Kalyana Mandapam, adorned with yali (mythical lion) pillars and epic frescoes, stands as a testament to Vijayanagara and Nayak-era craftsmanship. An unusual feature is the gopuram artwork that includes a British officer in colonial attire — a striking blend of myth and colonial history.
The temple’s sacred geography includes the Noopura Ganga tank and springs like Hanuman Theertham and Garuda Theertham.
Pathinettam Padi Karuppasamy: The Fierce Guardian
Within the main gopuram lies the Pathinettam Padi Karuppasamy shrine — a rare deity revered in the form of eighteen sacred steps rather than an idol. The doors to this shrine remain shut all year, symbolizing its mystery and sacredness. Historically, he was the protector of the Pandya kings and continues to be venerated as both a clan deity (Kuladeivam) and a personal deity (Ishta Devata) by countless devotees.
He is known for delivering swift justice, and it is strongly believed that any plea made before Karuppasamy will be rightfully answered. This deep-rooted faith has led many to seek resolutions to their disputes in his presence.
According to scriptures, when 18 black magicians tried to abduct Lord Azhagar, Karuppasamy, a guardian riding a white horse, intervened. Though initially entranced by Alagar’s beauty, he awoke in time to defend the deity. The 18 steps are believed to mark the burial site of the fallen guards, and Karuppasamy now stands eternal at the 18th step, protecting the temple and devotees.
Karuppasamy is revered as the kula deivam (clan deity) by the Pandyas and many locals. He is worshipped with intense devotion and caution, as he is seen as a deity of justice, discipline, and fierce protection.
Aadi Festival: The Opening of Karuppasamy Shrine
The most anticipated event at Alagar Kovil is the Aadi Pournami festival (July–August), part of the Aadi Brahmotsavam. This is the only day in the year when the Karuppasamy shrine is opened.
Rituals of the Day:
On August 1st, the Aadi festival begins at Azhagar Temple with the flag hoisting ceremony.
In the following days, Sri Sundararaja Perumal is adorned in a different vahanam (divine vehicle) each day, including:
- Anna Vahanam (Swan)
- Simha Vahanam (Lion)
- Hanumar Vahanam
- Garuda Vahanam
- Sesha Vahanam (Serpent)
- Yaanai Vahanam (Elephant)
- Thanga Guthirai Vahanam (Golden Horse)
On August 9th, the main event of the festival, the Temple Car Procession (Therottam), will take place after 8:00 AM.
In the evening, the doors of the Pathinettam Padi Karuppasamy Sannidhi will be opened, followed by Padi Pooja, Deeparadhanai, and Santhanam Saathuthal (sandalwood paste offering).
At night, Sri Sundararaja Perumal will be taken in a grand procession on the Pushpa Pallakku (flower palanquin).
After Aadi Pournami, the Karuppasamy shrine remains closed, maintaining its mystique and sanctity.
Hundreds of families, some camping overnight, gather eagerly for this brief darshan, believing Karuppasamy’s blessings will protect them throughout the year.
Rituals and Religious Practices
Alagar Kovil plays host to a number of sacred observances like:
- Chithirai Festival – when Kallazhagar travels to Madurai
- Vaikunta Ekadashi
- Panguni Uthiram
- Aadi Brahmotsavam
- Monthly Ardha Jamam & Maham rituals
One of the most intriguing customs is that Lord Kallazhagar never passes through the locked main gates. Instead, alternate paths are taken, and every night the temple’s key is ceremonially placed in front of Karuppasamy’s shrine, symbolizing the deity’s role as a protector.
Hidden Facts
- Padinettam Padi Karuppaswamy is the guardian deity of Azhagar Hills and Azhagar Temple. Before and after the Chithirai festival, the list of jewels used to adorn Lord Azhagar is formally read out to Karuppaswamy as a mark of respect.
- This temple uniquely enshrines three forms of Lord Vishnu — a standing posture resembling Lord Balaji of Tirumala, a sitting posture like Lord Ramasamy of Kumbakonam, and a reclining posture similar to Lord Ranganatha of Srirangam.
- The divine contributions made by the Pandyas, Cholas, and Vijayanagara kings have been recorded in 120 inscriptions (Sasanas) and engraved on the walls of this temple.
- Ancient Tamil scripts (Vattezhuthu) dating back to the BCE period have been discovered in this temple.
Daily Temple Timings
- Morning Worship Timing: 06:00 AM to 11:00 AM
- Evening Worship Timing: 04:00 PM to 08:00 PM
After Aadi Pournami, the Karuppasamy shrine remains closed, maintaining its mystique and sanctity.
