madurai kallalagar temple history
madurai kallalagar temple history
The story of the Madurai Alaghar Thangarath is one of great importance among the devotees of Perumal. Madurai Alagharkoil (Alagamugam Perumal Temple) is a divine temple located near Madurai. Alagara here is considered to be an incarnation of Thirumal.
Tangarath festival story
The divine legend associated with Alaghar as Kalalazhar and the Thangaratha festival is:
• Alaghar in Vaikuntam – As an aspect of Tirumala Alaghar resides in Vaikuntam. One day, the gods request him to help the earth, which is plagued by demons.
• Arrival of Alaghar – Alaghar is considered to be the protector of Madurai city and bestows blessings on the people. Every year, he gets up in special vehicles and gives darshan to devotees.
• Thangaratham – In the main event of the Chitrai festival, Alaghar gets up on a beautiful chariot called Thangaratham and blesses the devotees. This is a very popular event.
• Alaghar's descent into the Vaigai River – During the Mahabharata, Alaghar was coming to Madurai for Draupadi's marriage. But there is a legend that he came too late and went down to the river Vaigai and fulfilled his duty.
The speciality of Thangaratha festival
• Thangarat is specially decorated for beauty.
• Thousands of devotees will attend and witness the festival.
• This is one of the major events held in Madurai Alagar Temple.
Additional information
This festival is one of the biggest Vaishnava festivals in Tamil Nadu. Held in the month of Chitrai (April-May), this festival is celebrated with great devotion and ecstasy in which Alaghar gets up on a chariot and bestows grace upon the people.
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