Pazhamudircholai Murugan

Set in dense forest on a hill of the Alagar range near Madurai, Pazhamudircholai is the sixth and final abode of Murugan, associated with the poet-saint Avvaiyar's famous test by the god. It adjoins the Vishnu temple of Alagar Koil at the hill's base.

About Pazhamudircholai Murugan

Solaimalai Murugan Temple is a Hindu temple, located atop a hill, in the outskirts of Madurai in Tamil Nadu. It is dedicated to Murugan, and is one of the six abodes of Murugan (Arupadaiveedu). The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

Legend

As per Kanda Puranam, sage Narada once visited Shiva at Kailasha and presented him with a gnana-palam (fruit of knowledge). As Murugan felt cheated after the fruit was given to Ganesha, he left Kailasha to took up abode in the Palani Hills as a hermit.

After the incident, Tamil poet Avvaiyar came to pacify Murugan. Avvaiyar could not recognise Murugan, who was in disguise. Wanting to test Avvaiyar, Murugan, who was sitting atop a naaval tree, shook the tree to offer some fruits to the poet. Pazhamurdircholai is a combination of the Tamil language words, Pazham meaning fruit, udir meaning disperse, and cholai meaning orchard. As the fruits were dispersed at the location, it became the name of the temple.

Why it matters

Earlier, only vel, the divine weapon of Murugan was worshiped in the temple. Later shrines dedicated to the deities Ganesha, and Murugan along with his consorts–Deivanai and Valli, were established.

The temple is mentioned in the Sangam literature Tirumurukāṟṟuppaṭai by Nakkeerar, and post Sangam literature such as Cilappatikaram by Ilango Adigal. Arunagirinathar composed Tamil hymns glorifying Murugan, the most notable being Tiruppukal, and included hymns about the temple.

Background adapted from Wikipedia, “Murugan Temple, Pazhamudircholai”, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Edited for length; verify details locally.

Plan your visit

How to reach

Pazhamudircholai Murugan is roughly 400 km from Chennai, about 10.5 h by road. The nearest airport is Madurai (IXM), about 32 km away. Most visitors base themselves in Madurai, which has the rail links and hotels, and make this a day trip. Open directions in Google Maps →

Timings: like most Tamil Nadu temples, expect an early-morning opening around 6 am, a midday closure from roughly noon to 4 pm, and evening darshan until about 8–9 pm. Festival days change everything, so confirm locally.

Festival days to plan around

• Thai Poosam — January–February
• Skanda Sashti — October–November
• Vaikasi Visakam — May–June
• Panguni Uthiram — March–April

Exact dates move with the lunar calendar every year; the festival calendar lists them to 2031, and the daily panchangam shows the tithi and nakshatra for any date.

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Quick facts

Visiting

Most temples in Tamil Nadu open early morning and again in the evening, closing through the midday hours — plan darshan before noon or after 4pm and confirm timings locally, since festival days change everything. Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered), leave footwear at the stands provided, and note that some sanctums admit Hindus only while towers and outer courtyards welcome everyone. Photography rules vary; ask before shooting inside.

Timing a visit? Check today’s panchangam for auspicious windows and festival days, and use our free itinerary builder to slot temples, food and rest into your day.

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