More amenities at Alagarkoil

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Pilgrims and tourists visiting the Alagarkoil in Madurai district will soon be greeted with beautiful walkways and better infrastructure.

The state tourism department has proposed to improve the infrastructure and beautify Alagarkoil.

According to sources, the infrastructure creation work would be taken up at an outlay of `5 crore, shortly.

The top officials in the department, who have initiated the move, are in the process of finalising a detailed project report in association with a consultancy firm.

“We aim to improve the ambience around Alagarkoil and also take up landscaping,” said a tourism official here on Sunday.

He told Deccan Chronicle that the work would be taken up only after the design for the landscape, for grading and earth shaping, laying attractive footpaths and inner pathways, are approved.

Also, planting would be taken up to ensure adequate utility services such as landscape lighting, pathway lighting, street furniture, bus shelters, irrigation layout and other services required for the beautification project. “The construction will only enhance the beauty of the spot,” he added.

The Alagarkoil temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is located about 21 km from Madurai on foot of Alagar Hills and nestled amidst sylvan surroundings.

The temple is known for its beautiful sculptures and exquisite mandapams. As per mythology, Lord Vishnu descended at this place from his heavenly abode as Azhagar to give away his sister Goddess Meenakshi in marriage to Lord Sundareswarar.

The temple city is abuzz with activity during the annual Chithirai festival (in April/May). The place is also known for its holy springs called Silamboru and Noopura Gangai.