Kallazhagar Temple, Alagarkoil, Madurai - Theerthams
Noopura
Gangai and Silambaaru are the two pushkarani of this temple. The Origin of the
Noopura Gangai in unknown but it flows towards the Gomukhi Vaayil and then
follows towards the Madhavi Mandapam and finally drops into a big Thotti
(tank). The water finally reaches the base of Azhagar malai and it is referred
to as the Thenaru (river of honey), since the water is so sweet in nature. This
pushkarani is said to be of the medical values, which cures many diseases.
The
water from this pool is supposed to have descended from the heavens and fallen
at the top of this hill which in turn flows as Nupura Ganga. Taking a holy bath
in this water is said to fulfill the desires of the people and so it is also
called as ‘Ishta Siddhi’. In ‘Silappathikaram ‘there is a mention of three
springs found in this hill namely, ‘Sravanam’,’ Bava Tarani’ and ‘Ishra
Siddhi’.
This
water from the spring is rich in minerals. It is found to contain minerals like
Iron and Copper. It is also believed that it could cure a number of diseases. It
tastes sweet. There is a mystery surrounding the ‘Uthsavamoorthi’ or ‘Uthsava
idol’ of God Kallalagar here, which is made of an alloy with a high percentage
of pure gold, that it is bathed in any water other than from this spring water,
the idol turns black instantaneously.
There is
a spring here for Lord Hanuman known as Hanuman theertham (devotee of Rama).
Just above it is the “Garuda Theertham”. On the northern side of the temple we
find ‘Uthara naryanavani ‘- the water from here is used for bathing the rest of
the idols.