Madurai K. Rajeshkanna
Among the Divyadesams in Madurai, the temple of Thirumaliruncholai Azhagar Koil (திருமாலிருஞ்சோலை அழகர்கோயில்) holds a sacred and exalted position. Here, the presiding deity, known as Paramaswamy (Alagumalaiyan), bestows his blessings while bearing the five divine weapons (Panchaayudham). The Utsava Moorthy (processional deity) is worshipped as Sri Sundararaja Perumal (Azhagar).
Among the major annual festivals celebrated at Azhagar Koil, the Chithirai Festival and the Aadi Amavasai Sandhanakaappu Festival are especially noteworthy.
✦ The Sandhanakaappu Worship – A Tradition of the Aayar Clan
The Aadi Amavasai Sandhanakaappu festival is held at the Padhinettampadi Karuppasamy shrine within the Azhagar temple complex. This sacred festival is a hereditary tradition of the Yadava (Aayar)kulam. During this occasion, the deity Karuppasamy is anointed with sandalwood paste, adorned with permanent flower garlands, and honoured with special rituals and pujas.
This age-old custom is upheld under the leadership of the Periyakaruppu Konar and Periyannan Konar lineages, conducted in collaboration with the Azhagar temple administration. As part of this ceremony, members of the Konar lineages are ceremoniously honoured with a parivattam (headwrap) by the temple as a mark of royal respect.
This festival draws thousands of devotees, not only from Madurai, but also from surrounding southern districts like Sivagangai, Ramanathapuram, and Pudukkottai, who participate with deep devotion to fulfill their vows and spiritual offerings. The Sandhanakaappu festival thus stands as a significant and sacred celebration of Aayar heritage and devotion.
