Alagar Kovil, situated 20 kilometers from Madurai, is a revered sanctuary dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It stands among the 108 sacred Divya Desams. In this temple, the deity Lord Vishnu is adored as Kalazhagar, and his divine consort Goddess Lakamahi worships under the name Thirumamagal.

The origins of Kallazhagar trace back to a tale of redemption; he appeared to absolve Sage Suthapa—known as Manduka Maharishi—of a curse inflicted by Rishi Muni Durvasar. The temple hosts six daily rituals and numerous annual celebrations. Prominent among these are the float festival in February-March, Navarathri in September-October, & Vaikunda Ekadesi between December and January. Oversight of temple activities falls under the purview of the Hindu Religious & Endowment Board of the Tamil Nadu Government.

The narrative recounts that while Sage Suthapa bathed in Nupura Ganga at Azhagar Hills, he overlooked passing Rishi Muni Durvasar and neglected to pay homage. Angered, Durvasa cursed him to live as a frog until Lord Sundara raja Perumal—also referred to as Kallazhagar—would liberate him from this fate. Consequently, Suthapa Maharishi meditated by the Vegavathi River's banks at Thenur. It was there that Kallazhagar descended from Azhagar Hills to lift the curse. To this day, Kallazhagar’s journey through various villages like Malaipatti and Alanganallur to Thenur remains ingrained in local belief. The relieving ritual of Manduka Maharishi was later relocated in 1653 under Thirumalai Nayak’s regime to Vandiyur village at Thennur Mandapam constructed by Nayak himself.

Yama, the deity of death, once worshipped here and implored Vishnu to dwell in these highlands perpetually.

This temple adheres to the Thenkalai tradition within its worship practices. Architecturally designed in Southern Indian style, Alagar Temple features lofty towers & expansive halls with pillars. Its preeminent event is Alagar Thiruvizha celebrated every April-May; legend narrates that Kalazhagar once traveled here for Lord Chokkanadhar - Goddess Meenakshi’s wedding but returned mid-way after finding himself late for the ceremony.

Adjacent lies Palamudhirsolai—the final among six adobes dedicated to Lord Murugan on this hill—accessible via a short 5-kilometer route marked also by Rakkayi Temple at its summit. Devotees often partake in a spiritual bath within its sanctified tank before offering prayers at Rakkayi Amman.

• Alagar temple timings: Alagar Kovil opens from 05:30 AM till noon and then from 04:00 PM till 08:30 PM (closed from noon until 04:00 PM). Palamudhrsoli operates non-stop from 06:00 AM up until 06:00 PM; post which vehicular access up the hill is restricted.
• Palamudhirsolai timings: 06:00Am to 06:00Pm. Vehicles not allowed to mount the hill after 06:00Pm
• Free darshan queue is available for domestic clients.

Access: Gratis darshan queues are available for domestic clients without charges related to entrance or photography for all visitors at Pazhamudhiricholai