Kallalagar Temple covers an area of about 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
asura Hiranyakasipu and other slaying him. 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.
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). 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. 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). 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. == Transport ==