 Azhagar Malai is one of the most important shrines situated in Madurai. This hill temple is 12 miles away from Madurai. One has to walk a minimum distance of 2 miles from the foot of the hill to reach the temple on the hill.
The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and his avatar, Kallazhagar. The hill is also known as Azhagar Koil and Pazhamudhir Solai.
The temple has a long history. Legend has it that Yama, the lord of death, once undertook a pilgrimage. While he was visiting all the holy shrines, he was attracted by the serenity and beauty of Azhagar Malai and sat down for meditation here. Lord Vishnu appeared before him and asked Yama what he wanted. Yama requested that the Lord be pleased to reside in the beautiful surroundings for the benefit of the people.
The Lord then ordered Viswakarma, the architect of the celestials - Devas - to construct a temple for him there and it was constructed and consecrated immediately. The Lord resides there with his consorts Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi to bless the people.
 Because Yama worshipped the Lord in the form of Vrisha, this shrine is also known as Vrishapatri. This legend is found in the Vrishapatri Mahatmiyam, narrated by Suta Muni to the rishis of
Naimisaranya.
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There is a small rivulet running on the western side of the temple, known as Silambar River. There is a story behind the origin of this river. When the celestials sought the protection of Lord Vishnu from Mahabali, he took the Vamana (dwarf) avatar and went to Mahabali, asking for land measuring three steps, by his feet. Mahabali agreed to it. The Vamana Murthi then took his Trivikrama swarupa and measured the entire earth by one step, all the skies by the next and did not have any place left for his third step. Mahabali gladly knelt before Him and showed his head, for placing his foot there.
 When the Lord raised His foot, Brahma washed it with water from his kamandalu. The water that dripped from His foot is believed to be running as the Silambar River.
The shrine has the special distinction of being sung by all the 12 Alwars. The Nalayira Dhivyaprabandham has 123 verses in praise of the Lord of this temple. The presiding deity is known as Sundararajan or Azhagar. There is a separate sanctum sanctorum for Vinayaka. The trunk of the Lord is swirled to the right, unlike in other temples. He is known as the Valampuri Vinayaka.
There are a number of buses plying from Madurai to Azhagar Koil. The place has guesthouses, lodges, restaurants and other facilities for the tourists.
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