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. Its admist the dense forest very near to Kallazhaghar temple one of the Pandiyanadu divyadeshams of Lord Vishnu .
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.
A natural spring named Nupura Gangai flows at a walkable distance from this temple many people flock to this places to take bath and fill the water it in containers as it said to be a natural remedy for skin diseases .
There are lots of monkeys so must be carefull . We can spend a whole day here by seeing Padinettam padi karupanaswamy temple the guardian diety of Azhaghar koil , Azhaghar koil , Palamudhir cholai then to Nupura Gangai.
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 (sutta pazham venduma sudatha pazham venduma). 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.
Ranjus travel blog 