Hidden within the dense, monkey-filled forests of the Solaimalai hills (right next to the famous Alagar Koil) near Madurai, Pazhamudircholai is the sixth and final Aarupadai Veedu. It is the only shrine in the circuit situated in a dense jungle environment.
The Legend of the Roasted Fruit
This temple is famous for Lord Murugan’s playful interaction with the legendary Tamil poetess, Avvaiyar. One day, a tired Avvaiyar was resting under a Naaval (Jamun) tree. A young boy sitting in the branches asked her if she wanted a “roasted” (Sutta Pazham) or “unroasted” (Sudadha Pazham) fruit.
Confused, as fruits cannot be roasted, she asked for the unroasted ones. The boy shook the tree, and the fruits fell into the sand. When Avvaiyar picked them up, she naturally blew on them to remove the sand. The boy laughed and asked, “Are the fruits too hot? Is that why you are blowing on them?” Realizing the profound philosophical lesson about ego and true knowledge, she looked up, and the boy revealed his true form as Lord Murugan.
Temple Architecture & Unique Features
Pazhamudircholai is the only Aarupadai Veedu where Lord Murugan is depicted in the main sanctum alongside both of his consorts, Goddess Valli and Goddess Deivanai.
The temple complex is smaller and more serene than the others. The actual Naaval tree from the Avvaiyar legend is still present in the temple courtyard. Miraculously, this specific tree bears fruit only during the Tamil month of Aippasi (October/November), precisely aligning with the Skanda Sashti festival!
Practical Information for Pilgrims
- Temple Timings: 5:30 AM to 1:00 PM, and 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM.
- Surrounding Springs: The hill is dotted with natural springs. Devotees often visit the nearby Noopura Ganga, a sacred stream believed to possess deep medicinal and spiritual properties.
How to Reach Pazhamudircholai
- Nearest Airport: Madurai Airport (approx. 35 km).
- Nearest Railway Station: Madurai Junction.
- By Road: Frequent local buses and taxis run from Madurai city center to Alagar Koil, from where a shuttle bus takes you up the forest hill to the temple.
- Since both this temple and Thiruparankundram are near Madurai, it makes an ideal basecamp. Check current hotel availability in Thiruparankundram, Madurai on MakeMyTrip here.
Explore the complete sacred circuit at the Six Aarupadai Veedu Hub.