Algarkoil
Sri Paramaswamy / Kallalagar Alagar Koil is one of the 108 divya desam temples situated at a distance of 21 km from Madurai, on foot of Alagar hills. Lord Vishnu resides as Azhagar ( the one who is beautiful), brother of Meenakshi. This temple is famous for its beautiful sculptures and exquisite 'mandapams'. According to Hindu Mythology, Lord Vishnu came to this place from his heavenly abode to give away his sister Goddess Meenakshi (Parvathi) in marriage to Lord Sundareswarer (Shiva). The grand main tower at the entrance is believed to have been built by the Pandya Kings. According to the historical scriptures, Malayadhwaja Pandyan, son of Kulasekhara Pandyan, was the earliest known monarch to patronize the temple. Sundara Pandyan beautified the 'vimana' of the shrine with gold plates. After the Pandyas rule, the Nayakas patronized the deity. It is said that Lord Yamadharmaraja, daily comes to this sthalam in the night to worship the Perumal. The Perumal is also na...
