About Pazhamudircholai Murugan Temple
The Murugan temple at Pazhamudircholai, also called Solaimalai, stands on a wooded hill in the Alagar range on the outskirts of Madurai, a short way above the famous Kallalagar Vishnu temple at Alagar Koil. It is one of the Arupadaiveedu, the six sacred abodes of Lord Murugan, and is usually counted as the sixth. The shrine is praised in Nakkeerar's Sangam poem Tirumurukarruppadai, in the later epic Cilappatikaram and in Arunagirinathar's Tiruppukal hymns. The temple is maintained by the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department and is a favourite with pilgrims who visit all six abodes.
According to the Kanda Puranam, the sage Narada brought a fruit of wisdom to Shiva at Kailasha, and when it went to Ganesha, the young Murugan left in anger. The poet Avvaiyar later set out to calm him but did not recognise him in disguise. To test her, Murugan, sitting in a naaval tree, shook its branches so that the fruit fell to her. The place-name is said to come from the Tamil words for fruit, scatter and orchard, recalling this story. Tradition holds that only Murugan's vel, his divine spear, was worshipped here at first.
Shrines for Ganesha and for Murugan with his consorts Valli and Deivanai were added later. The temple is compact compared with the great Tamil temples, and much of its charm lies in its setting: a cool, green hillside with forest all around and monkeys along the road. A road winds up from Alagar Koil past the shrine, and higher up the hill is the Nupura Ganga spring, whose water is used for the ablutions of the deity at the Kallalagar temple below. Many visitors see both the Vishnu temple and this Murugan shrine on one trip.
Pazhamudircholai Murugan Temple timings & aarti
Usually open from early morning to around midday and again from afternoon to evening. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning puja | Early morning (approx.) |
| Uchikalam (noon puja) | Around midday (approx.) |
| Evening deeparadhana | At sunset |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Pazhamudircholai Murugan Temple
By air
Madurai Airport is about 30 km away.
By train
Madurai Junction is about 22 km away.
By road
The temple is about 20 km north-east of Madurai via Alagar Koil. Buses run from Madurai to Alagar Koil; from there, temple vehicles, taxis or a walk up the hill road reach the shrine.
Festivals at Pazhamudircholai Murugan Temple
- Skanda ShashtiOct/Nov
- Vaikasi VisakamMay/Jun
- Thai PoosamJan/Feb
- Chithirai festival (at Kallalagar Temple below)Apr/May
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Traditional, modest clothing is recommended.
- Entry
- General darshan is free.
- Keep food and bags closed; monkeys are common on the hill road.
- Visit the Kallalagar Vishnu temple at the foot of the hill on the same trip.
- Walk further up to the Nupura Ganga spring if time and energy allow.
- Go early in the day to enjoy the cool forest air and avoid crowds.
Places to visit near Pazhamudircholai Murugan Temple
- Kallalagar Temple, Alagar KoilDivya Desam temple of Vishnu at the foot of the hill, about 3 km away
- Nupura Ganga springSacred spring higher up the Alagar hill, a short drive or walk away
- Meenakshi Amman TempleMadurai's great temple, about 20 km away
- Thiruparankundram Murugan TempleThe first of Murugan's six abodes, about 28 km away
Frequently asked questions
Where is Pazhamudircholai?
It is on the Alagar hills about 20 km north-east of Madurai, just above the Kallalagar temple at Alagar Koil.
What does Pazhamudircholai mean?
The name is said to come from Tamil words for fruit, scatter and orchard, recalling the legend of Murugan dropping fruit for Avvaiyar.
Which of Murugan's six abodes is Pazhamudircholai?
It is usually counted as the sixth of the Arupadaiveedu.
What are the timings of Pazhamudircholai temple?
It is usually open from early morning to midday and again in the afternoon and evening. Times may vary; check locally.
What is the aarti time at Pazhamudircholai Murugan Temple?
Morning puja: Early morning (approx.); Uchikalam (noon puja): Around midday (approx.); Evening deeparadhana: At sunset. Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
Is there a dress code at Pazhamudircholai Murugan Temple?
Traditional, modest clothing is recommended.
How to reach Pazhamudircholai Murugan Temple?
By air: Madurai Airport is about 30 km away. By train: Madurai Junction is about 22 km away. By road: The temple is about 20 km north-east of Madurai via Alagar Koil. Buses run from Madurai to Alagar Koil; from there, temple vehicles, taxis or a walk up the hill road reach the shrine.
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