Introduction:
Bsepic, an innovative and creative photography company, recently visited Madurai for Photoshoot. We have chosen the most visited temple “Arulmigu Kallazhagar Temple” as we found it very colorful and very picturesque and several photo shoot will be conducted here. The Tower of the temple looks really stunning and numerous sculptures are used for the construction of this temple tower. We need a thousand eyes to admire this eye-catchy architecture. During the photo shoot, we got to experience with the Jigarthanda monkeys, which we have already described in our previous blog. As mentioned above, the blog titled “Ready to Experience with Jigarthanda Monkeys”, BSEpic has beautifully described the monkey’s actions and their funny moments. In addition, they have also described one of the temple tank and its non-maintained condition. Let us know few more things about Kallalagzhagar Temple.
History: The temple is located 21 kms northwest of Madurai on the attractive timbered hill. It is built on a vast area in a beautiful manner, surrounded by the ruins of historical forts. The temple has been built in the Dravidian style of architecture. According to historical records, it was constructed by the Pandya king Malayathuaja Pandian and Dharma Devashai. Here, Kallalazhagar is the name used in the temple for the Lord “Perumal”. The idol is made of pure gold, which stands for its perfect craftsmanship. Moreover, Alvars have added honor and pride to the temple. Furthermore, in several epics the beauty of this temple has been described. In the 13th Century, the golden dome has been added to the temple by Sundara Pandian. However, some of the centuries back, this temple was once a refuge place for the Jain. This was proved by several “Brahmin” script. In the temple, we found several beautiful sculptures that depict the ancient stories. In addition, the paintings were super good with its uniqueness. Inside the temple, we can able to view “Holy water point”, the water from the river Ganga. People believe that this water will cure several diseases as it contains Iron and copper.
Nature of the temple: As Azhagar temple is situated on the hill, we have to pass through the dense forest. The path will be covered by Jujube-Indian trees (Elandha maram), which are famous in our Indian epics. Moreover, the incident of Lord Muruga and Avaiyar, is played with this tree only. To reach this temple, we need to do some trekking through the dense forest with wild animals. Furthermore, in the downstairs we find, Kalalazhagar temple; in the middle of the way we can find palamudhir Solai (one of Arupadai veedu of god Murugan) and finally, we can view Rakkayi temple where we found “Theertha Vaari” – The sacred water from the river Ganga. In the middle of the way to Alagar temple, we can find a small but beautiful temple of Lord Anjaneyar. Lord “Anjaneyar” is the guarding god, who has features like Monkey. Another beauty of this temple is Monkeys. While we travel to the temple, we have to cross this wild animal. However, they are very dangerous as people are not allowed to take food or any eatable items as they will attack them. We can find numerous funny things like they groom themselves with the help of the parked bikes, pose for the people’s camera etc. They are truly adorable when watched far away.
Chithirai festival: One of the reasons for the fame of this temple is “Chithirai Festival”. Chithirai festival will be celebrated in the month of April, We Tamil people call as Chithirai. During the reign of the Vijayanagar king Krishnadeva Raya, the temple was endowed with revenues from two villages for conducting regular festivals. The marriage of Meenakshi and Sokanadhar has been celebrated as the Chitirai. The arrival of Alagar, the brother of Meenakshi to his sister’s marriage is celebrating as the “Alagar Thiruvizha” This is celebrated for ten days and is one of the declared festivals of Tamilnadu Government. In chithirai, Lord Kallalagar begins from Alagar kovil as Kallar and achieves Madurai on Pournami (Full Moon day). Here he ventures into river Vaigai in his Horse Vaganam. During the festival, to indicate the arrival of Alagar, the flag will be uplifted. Then continuos with the Meenakshi Amman temple. As Alagar returns from Vandiyur Dhasavatharam festival is celebrated throughout the night at Ramarayar Mandapam in the Northern part of river Vaigai. After this event, Alagar is taken to Mysore Veera Mandapam on decorated Anantharayar Palanquin. The next morning Alagar in the form of Kallar returns to Alagar kovil in ‘Poo Pallakku'(Palanquin decorated with flowers). The Festival dramatically re-enacts the visitation of Lord Kallalagar to Madurai from Alagarkoil. People will be crowed the river to view this event. As chithirai month is going to begin, every people are eagerly waiting for this most beautiful but crowded festival.
In our ancient days, our ancestors build temple tanks fully filled with water. This concept was implemented just to offer water to the people who are in thirst while travelling. To the sad part, this tank found dry land with no sign of water. Even the tank looks like an un-maintained playground with the small portion of the temple situated in the middle of the tank. The steps were filled with dry grass that gives the feel of a desert. The priest in the temple maintains only the famous temple rather ignoring this tank. We found these steps were painted with the forehead symbol of Lord Perumal (The V shape with the red line in the middle). However, it clearly found that these paintings were done when the temple is built.
