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Pazhamudircholai Murugan Temple
Arupadai Veedu (6th) · Alagar Hills, Tamil Nadu
॥ ॐ शरवणभव ॥
Pazhamudircholai, in a wooded grove on the Alagar hills north of Madurai, is the sixth and last of Murugan’s six abodes — and the most natural, a forest shrine of springs and trees. Murugan is worshipped here with both his consorts, Valli and Deivanai, and the place is bound to the famous tale of the poetess Avvaiyar, humbled by a small boy’s riddle about a fruit.
The sixth and final abode
Among the Arupadai Veedu, Pazhamudircholai completes the circuit as the sixth abode. Its name means “the grove of ripe fruit,” and unlike the great structural temples of the other camps it keeps the character of a sacred forest shrine, set among trees and rock on the Alagar hills, beside the Vishnu temple of Alagar Koyil.
Avvaiyar and the riddle of the fruit
The temple’s most loved story tells of Avvaiyar, the revered Tamil poetess, resting beneath a naaval (jambu) tree. A small cowherd boy in the tree asked whether she wanted “roasted fruit or unroasted fruit.” Puzzled, she chose, and when the fruit he dropped was warm she blew on it — at which the boy teased whether the fruit was too hot. Realising no ordinary child could so confound her, Avvaiyar knew him to be Murugan himself, teaching the limits of even great learning.
A grove of springs
The hillside holds the Noopura Gangai, a perennial spring whose waters are gathered for the deity’s worship, and the surrounding forest of the Alagar hills lends the shrine a cool, green stillness. Pilgrims often climb from the Alagar Koyil temple below, so that the visit joins the worship of Vishnu and Murugan on a single hill.
Worship and festivals
Murugan stands here with Valli and Deivanai, and the temple keeps the festivals of the Murugan calendar — the Vaikasi Visakam of his star, Skanda Sashti, and the Tamil New Year and Chithirai observances tied to nearby Madurai and Alagar Koyil. The natural setting makes worship here as much a walk into sacred forest as a temple visit.
How to reach Pazhamudircholai
- By road: the temple is on the Alagar hills about 20–25 km north of Madurai, near Alagar Koyil, reached by road up the hill.
- By train: Madurai Junction is the nearest major railhead.
- By air: Madurai Airport is about 30 km away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which of Murugan’s abodes is Pazhamudircholai?
Pazhamudircholai is the sixth and last of the Arupadai Veedu, the six sacred abodes of Murugan, a forest shrine on the Alagar hills north of Madurai.
What does the name Pazhamudircholai mean?
It means “the grove of ripe fruit.” Unlike the grand structural temples of the other abodes, it keeps the character of a sacred forest shrine among trees, rock and springs.
What is the Avvaiyar story linked to this temple?
The poetess Avvaiyar was confounded by a cowherd boy’s riddle about “roasted or unroasted fruit” beneath a jambu tree. Realising no ordinary child could outwit her, she knew the boy to be Murugan, teaching the limits of even great learning.
What is the Noopura Gangai?
The Noopura Gangai is a perennial spring on the hillside whose waters are gathered for the worship of the deity, adding to the shrine’s character as a grove of springs.
Which deities are worshipped here?
Murugan is worshipped at Pazhamudircholai with both his consorts, Valli and Deivanai, at his side.
How do I reach Pazhamudircholai?
The temple is on the Alagar hills about 20–25 km north of Madurai, near Alagar Koyil. Madurai Junction is the nearest railway station and Madurai Airport is about 30 km away.
॥ वेत्रिवेल् मुरुगनुक्कु अरोहरा ॥ • Bhaktiras.net Temple Guide
| Temple Name | Pazhamudircholai Murugan Temple |
| Primary Deity | Murugan (with Valli & Deivanai) |
| Location | Alagar Hills, near Madurai |
| State | Tamil Nadu, India |
| Significance | 6th Arupadai Veedu of Murugan |
| Architecture | Forest hill shrine |
| Setting | Grove on the Alagar hills |
| Sacred Spring | Noopura Gangai |
| Legend | Avvaiyar and the riddle of the fruit |
| Key Festival | Vaikasi Visakam, Skanda Sashti |
| Nearest Airport | Madurai (~30 km) |
| Entry | Free |