KALLAZAGAR-1

HAVE A NICE DAY!

  KALLAZHAGAR 

  
                            KALLAZHAGAR-1  
                          Sri S.V.Varadarajan
          


       About 12 miles north from Madurai, is the place where the Azhagar koil is located at the foot of a hill with Sundaer Raja Perumal as the main deity. The temple has different names like Thirumaliruncholai, Solai malai,Thirumalirukkum Kunram,Vazha giri, Vrisha Badri and Idabagiri. The mountain range extends to ten miles east to west and is about 1000 feet in height. Many small hills branch off from this range on all sides. On the southern side base is Azhagar malai.The deity in this temple is known popularly as Kallazhagar. The word 'sundaram' means a beautiful person. The deity's name Sundara Raja Perumal signifies that the God present here is attracting devotees with his beautiful figure.


      There is a puranic story which explains the origin of this temple. Once Dharma Deva was visiting all the holy places in this world and was crossing this mountain 'solaimalai'. The natural beauty of this mountain was very pleasing to him and he began doing penance at this place. At the end of the penance, Lord Vishnu appeared before him as Sundara Raja Perumal.As prayed by him, the Lord showered his blessings on him for building a temple near the Noopura Ganga river near by and to worship Him with his consorts Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi.


To be continued


Kallazhagar



















Azhaga Kallalaga,Thoonda,  Vaararu Vaararu, Theendai
Oh Manalae