Turumaalirunjolai - Alaghar Temple

Renowned as the South Tirupathi, this temple is the Pandyan kings' precious gift to the theist world. It has many unique features, responsible for its unprecedented popularity and immense spiritual eminence. This kshetra lies at the foot of hill and is very close to the famous river called Nupura, taking its origin in the hill. This fortified temple speaks volumes of rich patronage extended by Tirumala Nayak, the celebrated temple builder of immortal glory. Its sculptural wealth and architectural adornments have perennial attraction for scholars and theists. It enjoys an unending streams of pilgrims throughout the year and those who could not go to Tirumala visit this kshetra. And it is equated with it in points of sanctity and beauty affording a rich royal banquet to eyes and souls. Built in the Dravidian architectural style and adorned with tantalizing sculptural pieces, the garbha griha is adorned its Somasundara Vimana. The Moolavar is in standing posture facing east. The goddess is called Sundaravalli Tayar. The holy tank goes by the name of Noopara Ganga. According to legend, the illustrious Pandyan king Malayadwaja was blessed with the vision of the Lord. Another awe-some glory it commands is - it is acting as an unofficial seat of highest judicature, with the Moolavar Alagar sitting in judgement of the cases brought to him. The false swearing imposters and frauds of any type are severely punished by the Lord, seeing them unseen during the argument. This indeed raised' its splendour and perched it atop the peak -of glory. During the Chitra Pournami celebrations, the River Festival is held for this deity on a grand scale, that lures lakhs of devout theists. Nammalwar's ecstatic raptures vividly brings out the eminence of this kshetra in addition to the superb hymns of the Kurathalwar that are a class by themselves. Daily worship is offered with elaborate rituals in accordance with Agama tenets.

It lies 18 km off Madurai, the ancient Pandyan capital and present district headquarters own enjoying airways, roadways and railways.

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