Kallalagar Temple covers an area of about 2 acres (0.81ha) and has a five-tiered gopuram (gateway tower). The temple is enclosed in a rectangular enclosure with large granite walls. The central shrine houses the image of the presiding deity, Sundarabahu Perumal in standing posture. The images of Sridevi and Bhudevi are also housed in the sanctum. There are two life size images of Narasimha, the avatar of Vishnu. One of them is shown holding the asuraHiranyakasipu and other slaying him.[2]
The temple houses various sculptures dated to the Vijayanagara period. The temple has an idol of Chakaratalvar, who is represented with 16 hands holding various weapons, and is not accompanied by Narasimha.[3]
Chithirai festival
Chithirai festival is an annual festival celebrated during the month of Chithirai. During the festival, Kallalagar is taken on a procession from Alagar Kovil and reaches Madurai on Pournami (Full Moon day).[4] During Ethir Sevai, Alagar changes his appearance as a Kallar and enters Madurai. The god is taken on a ceremonial dip to the Vaigai river, in a horse mount.[5] The Dashavatara of Vishnu is enacted throughout the night at Ramarayar Mandapam, located to the north of Vaigai. After this event, Alagar is taken to Mysore Veera Mandapam on decorated Anantharayar palanquin. The next morning, Alagar returns to Alagar kovil in 'poo pallakku' (palanquin decorated with flowers).[citation needed]
During the month of Aadi, the brahmotsavam festival is being celebrated for ten days. This festival occurs within the precincts of the temple, and the temple car is taken in procession during Pournami.[citation needed]
↑Rao, A.V.Shankaranarayana (2012). Temples of Tamil Nadu. Vasan Publications. pp.229–231. ISBN978-81-8468-112-3.
↑S., Gopalakrishnan (December 1996). "The Raṅga-maṇḍapa of the Tāṭikkompu Temple A Study of an Iconographic Programme of the Vijayanagara Tradition". East and West. 46 (3/4): 415–431. JSTOR29757285.
