Located 25 km away from Madurai, Pazhamudhircholai is one among the 6 prominent abodes of Lord Muruga, called as Arupadaiveedu. Others important abodes of Lord Muruga are Thiruparankundram Subramanya Swamy Temple, Palani Dandayudhapani Swami Temple, Swamimalai Swaminatha Swami Temple, Tiruchendur Senthil Andavar Temple and Tiruttani Subramanya Swamy Temple. On the top of a hill with forests around, it is quite close to the temple of Lord Vishnu Azhagar Kovil.
Lord Muruga is seen here with his two divine consorts Goddesses Valli and Deivayanai. Devotees visit here to seek lord’s blessings. Many devotees come here for wedding, child and even academic blessings. The scenic beauty of the place also attracts many visitors here.
Legend of Pazhamudhir Solai near Madurai
According to a popular legend associated with this temple, a great Tamil poet Avvaiyar, who was also an ardent devotee of Lord Muruga was tested by Lord here under a tree near the temple. This tree is still being worshipped with the devotees who come to visit the temple.
As per the legend, Avvaiyar, while travelling under hot sun had taken refuge under a fruit tree. She didn’t have anything to eat or drink while she rested under this tree. It is then Lord Muruga, in the guise of a young boy, appeared in front of her and asked her if she wanted roasted or unroasted fruits. Being highly well-informed herself, Avvaiyar sneered at the idea of roasted fruits and asked the boy to just pick unroasted fruits for her. Later she picked up the fruits fallen out of the tree. As she was blowing off the dust from the fruits, young boy asked if she was cooling down her roasted fruits. Hearing such as intelligent play of words and poetic knowledge by a small village boy left her astonished. She when realising it is not something common, asked the boy to let her know his true identity. After her fervent pleading, Lord Muruga appeared and blessed her.
Image Gallery of Pazhamudircholai / Pazhamudhir Solai Temple in Madurai
Timings of Pazhamudhir Solai near Madurai
Visiting timings of Pazhamudhir Solai are from 6 AM to 6 PM.
Although the best time to visit this temple or to plan a Madurai Tour is round the year, however visiting during various festivals can be an added advantage as the temple gets filled with vivacity along with spiritual aura. Some of the popular festivals at this temple are Panguni Uthiram which is celebrated in March every year; Kandha Sashti-Kanta Shasti Vratam; Aadi Krithigai and Vaikasi Visakam.
Reaching Pazhamudhir Solai/ Pazhamudircholai- Pazhamudhir Solai is located at a distance of 25 km from Madurai. There are buses run by temple administration to the temple as well. From Madurai, tourists can either hire a car or take a bus till here. There are buses from foothills to the temple every 20 minutes. Devotees also go by two wheelers via the motor-able road which goes up to the hill.