Cleaning as Worship
Alagidudhal (Tamil: alagidu = to clean/sweep + dhal = verbal noun suffix; 'the sweeping') or perukkudhal refers to the act of sweeping and cleaning the temple or sacred space. Far from being a menial task, it is one of the most honored forms of kaiṅkarya in the tradition.
Nammāzhvār on Cleaning
The tradition celebrates sweeping as a supreme act of devotion. Nammāzhvār and the Āzhvārs mention cleaning the temple as among the most purifying services. The act of removing dust and debris from the Lord's space — on one's hands and knees, using a hand broom — is considered equal to elaborate worship when done with the right devotional attitude.
Cleaning Before Worship
Cleaning (sammārjana) is an honoured preliminary temple and household kainkaryam that prepares the sacred space for worship. It should not, however, be identified as one of the five named pañca-kāla duties — abhigamana, upādāna, ijyā, svādhyāya, and yoga.
At Home
In a devout Śrī Vaiṣṇava household, sweeping and cleaning the home — especially the altar room — is part of the morning nityānuṣṭhānam, performed before the daily worship begins.