Pazhamudircholai temple is one of the famous Hindu temples situated almost 16 kilometres north of Madurai in Tamil Nadu. The temple is dedicated to Lord Muruga and is one of the six temples devoted to the Lord. These six temples are known as Arupadaiveedu. Many important events in Lord Muruga`s life are said to have taken place in these holy places. The temple is nestled atop a hill and is close to the Vishnu temple of Azhagar Kovil. Valli is believed to have lived in the dense forest of Pazhamudircholai. The temple is bears a variety of fruits, vegetables and flowers. It is a fertile hill that has many natural herbs and springs. The temple area houses separate shrines of Valli, Deivayanai, and Lord Muruga. Another temple has also been built dedicated to Lord Ganesha. A temple tower located in the vicinity remains surrounded by monkeys. The local tribes reside near the temple area. Another shrine has been built above the main temple. Pazhamudircholai is the last temple among the six temples of Lord Muruga. The temple finds its mention in many old Tamil literatures such as Silappathikaram, Ettuthokai and Pattupattu.

Legend of Pazhamudircholai Temple
According to the legend of Pazhamudircholai Temple once, Lord Muruga put to test the great Tamil poet and saint Auvaiyar but playing a trick on him. It was believed that Auvaiyar was one of the greatest devotees of Lord Muruga. One day Auvaiyar traveled far and wide in the scorching heat of the sun hence she soon became tired. Hungry and thirsty she took shelter under the shade of a fruit tree. A small boy was sitting on the top of the tree. He asked whether she wanted some fruits. As the poet was hungry she asked for the fruits. The boy asked her whether she wanted roasted fruits or un-roasted fruits. Having in-depth knowledge the poet thought whether there was any roasted fruit in the world. She however, concluded that the boy didn`t much knowledge even about a fruit but didn`t wish to argue as she was then too tired and hungry. She told the boy to give her un-roasted fruits. The boy shook the tree and many fruits fell on the ground. However, some mud got stuck on the fruit. Hence, Auvaiyar picking up the fruits blew to remove the mud from them. The boy interpreted the incident that the fruits were roasted and were warm so the poet was blowing air to cool them. The poet was surprised at the intelligence of the small village cowboy. Auvaiyar wondered that even after gaining much knowledge she could not understand the words of the small boy. She then asked the boy to revel his identity. The boy disappeared and in his place Lord Murugan appeared. Auvaiyar realized that the Lord had played a game with her to test her and to teach her that there was end to gaining knowledge. She bowed to the Lord and prayed that she be bestowed with more knowledge.

Pazhamudircholai Temple is well associated with all modes of transport. From Madurai one can catch the bus on route number 44 to reach it. There is a bus shuttle every 20 minutes from the foot of the hill to the Temple. It takes approximately 15 minutes to reach the temple.