Alagar Kovil Madurai - Chithirai Festival | Timings | How to reach

Alagar Kovil Madurai

Alagar Kovil is one of the famous temples in Tamilnadu. It is located in Madurai city and situated 21 km away from northeast Madurai. The temple is located in the hill, which is also referred to as Solaimalai. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. In this blog, we are going to see about the legends/shrines, timings, Chithirai festival, and transportation of the Alagar Kovil.

Shrines in Alagar Kovil

The main shrine present in the temple is Lord Sundarabahu Perumal in standing posture. The pictures of Sridevi and Bhudevi also are housed within the sanctum. There two shrines of Narasimha and the avatar of Vishnu. One among them is shown holding the demon Hiranya and other slaying him.

Chithirai Festival of Alagar Kovil

Chithirai festival is one of the famous festival in Madurai. It is celebrated for ten days and it is the declared festivals of the Tamilnadu Government. This festival day is said as a Local Holiday. In Chithirai (April-May), Lord Kallalagar starts from Alagar Kovil within the sort of Kallar and reaches Madurai on Pournami (Full Moon day).

In this festival Kalalagar steps into the Vaigai river in his Horse Vaganam. Lakhs of devotees flock to river Vaigai to ascertain this event. "Ethir Sevai" festival is widely known on the day before Alagar steps into river Vaigai. It's a practice for the people of Madurai to welcome Alagar. As Alagar returns from the Vandiyur Dhasavatharam festival is widely known throughout the night at Ramarayar Mandapam within the Northern a part of river Vaigai.

After this event, Alagar is taken to a Mandapam called as Mysore Veera mandapam on decorated Anantharayar Palanquin. Subsequent morning Alagar within the sort of Kallar returns to Alagar Kovil in ‘Poo Pallakku'(Palanquin decorated with flowers)

In the month of April and should, annually the good Chitra festival is widely known on Pournami (full moon day). The Festival dramatically re-enacts the visitation of Lord Kallalagar to Madurai from Alagarkoil. Many devotees get into the Vaigai river to personally witness the event of lord Alagar stepping down into the river and receive his blessings.

Other Festivals in Alagar Kovil

The other major festival is Aadi Brahmmorchavam it happens during the months of July and August. It is also celebrated for 10 days. This festival occurs within the precincts of the shrine. Devotees from different parts of Tamilnadu throng to participate during this festival. The temple car is taken in procession during Pournami of Aadi. The Ratham is called as ‘Amaiththa Narayanan’.

Timings of Alagar Kovil

Morning 6 am to afternoon 12.30 pm.
Afternoon from 3.30 pm to nite at 8 pm.

Transportation

• By train

The nearest railway station is Madurai main junction.

• By air

The nearest airport is Madurai airport. It is located at Avaniyapauram which is 12 km from Madurai city.

• By road

There are frequent bus facilities available. People can hire cabs and taxis also.
Many share autos are plying between Kadachanendal to Alagar Kovil.

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