Alagar kovil

About Alagar Kovil and the deity

The temple site adorned by the spectacular stone idol of Hindu Lord Vishnu. He is praised and worshipped here as the beloved brother of the lovely Goddess Meenakshi. This form of Lord Vishnu is known as the 'Azhagar'.

Pandyan Kings have enjoyed control over the temple premises right since its construction period. The marvelous tower which welcomes you right at the entrance was built under the Pandyan ruler named Jatavarman during the mid-thirteenth century. The 'vimana' over the tower had been further detailed beautifully by the shiny plates of gold. There has been no looking back for the temple premises since then. King Krishnadeva Raya of Vijayanagar has been funding the temple with innumerable festivals ever since.

The entire temple area has wonderful sculptures and sites which are full of breathtaking art of sculpting and construction.

Major attractions

One of the most wonderful highlights of the site is the breathtaking sculpture carved in stone of the beloved Hindu Lord Vishnu. The interesting part for all the Vishnu devotees and even art lovers here is that there are several sculptures depicting various famous postures associated with the Hindu lord. Known famously as the Azhagar Kovil is this magnificent temple located at the wooden Alagar hills.

Alagar kovil temple darshan timings

This exquisitely carved Madurai temple opens for darshan in the morning at 6 am and remains open till 12.30 pm. It opens at 3.30 pm again for evening darshan and continues till 8.00 pm. 

Alagar kovil festival

The temple attracts a huge number of worshippers every day and especially during the festival of Chitra, the temple is flooded with a large number of people congregating from everywhere in the country. During this festival, Lord Alagar’s idol is taken out in a procession to Madurai. The procession makes many stops en-route. 

All these breathtaking attractions make the sacred temple of the beloved Hindu Lord Vishnu one of the most popular places to visit in Madurai and definitely among best places to visit in Madurai and a huge part of every Madurai tour package.