Alagirinathar Temple is located at Kottai near Salem in
Tamil Nadu. This is ancient shrine and the temple is famous as Azhagirinathar
Kovil. Legend has it that Goddess Lakshmi took birth here as the daughter of
Bhrigu Rishi and Lord Vishnu appeared here as Alagirinathar and married her.
Story of Alagirinathar Temple at Salem
Legend has it that Goddess Lakshmi who witnessed the
incident of Sage Bhrigu kicking the chest of Vishnu could not tolerate the
behavior of Sage Bhrigu and she was even more annoyed with Vishnu for letting
the sage go scot free.
Goddess Lakshmi left for earth. Sage Bhrigu realized his
mistake and wanted to make amends.
He came to earth and on advice of Sage Vaiganasa performed
intense austerities at Salem.
Goddess Lakshmi then appeared here in the form of a baby
girl. Sage Bhrigu realized that the baby was Mahalakshmi. He took good care of
the baby girl and in due course of time, she grew up into a beautiful girl.
The time had come for the marriage of the beautiful girl.
Vishnu then appeared at the ashram in the form of Alagirinathar. He is also
known as Sri Soundararaja Perumal. After her marriage with Vishnu, Goddess
Lakshmi came to be known as Sri Sundaravalli Thayar. The divine marriage is
annually held and it is an important festival in the shrine.
Murtis Worshiped in the Temple
Murtis Worshiped in the Temple
The murti of Vishnu in the temple is in standing posture.
The murti has four hands – two in blessing posture and two carried conch and
chakra. The murti is flanked by Sridevi and Bhudevi.
In the temple, Sri Sundaravalli Thayar shrine is located to
the right side of the main sanctum sanctorum. Goddess Sundaravalli Thayar gives
darshan in padmasanam posture.
Other murtis found in the temple are that of Sri Adi
Venugopalaswamy (Sri Krishna), Goddess Andal, Chakkarathazhwar with sixteen
hand with various weapons, Hanuman and Karudalwar.
Devotees offer prayers here for removal of marriage related
problems. It is believed that those who offer prayers get good marriage
alliance.
The shrine is also noted for its architecture and
sculptures.
Salem Alagirinathar Temple Timings
6:00 AM to 12:00 PM
5:00 PM to 9:00 PM