Attractions Of Madurai:Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam

Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam

Short Overview:

Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam is located around 5km from temple city Madurai. Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam is a huge square tank which covers an area of 16 acres. Built in 1646 by Thirumalai Nayak. A beautiful complex with 12 granite steps each on all 4 sides, with a man-made island in its center which is home to the Vigneshwara Temple. Mariamman Teppakulam is famous for the celebrations of the Float Festival, which is celebrated in the Tamil month of Thai according to the Tamil calendar, which falls in the month of January or February. The festival commemorates the birthday of King Thirumalai Nayak.

Long Description:

The Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam is a huge tank situated at a distance of about 5km from the Meenakshi Amman Temple, which is built by the King Thirumalai Nayak. The Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam is the temple pond associated with the Vandiyur Mariamman Temple (teppakulam literally means temple pond in Tamil). The area of the tank is approximately 16 acres, the island pavilion with a garden in the center, is approximately equal to the area of the Meenakshi Temple. 

It is one of the largest temple tanks in South India and gets water supply from the Vaigai river. It is believed that while Thirumalai Nayak was building his palace in Madurai, he dug up this area for bricks. He then converted this enormous pit into a 16-acre lake, fed by water from the Vaigai river through an indigenous and innovative system of underground channels. While digging for bricks, an idol of Lord Ganesha (Vigneshwara) was unearthed, which now remains enshrined in the Vigneshwara temple on the island. 

This Vinayaka temple is situated right in the middle of the tank, which is dedicated to Lord Vigneshwara, the elephant-faced God. It has a total of 12 long stairs (steps) made of granite on all four sides. Every year, the place is witness to the colourful festival of Teppoothsavam (or float festival). The festival honors the birthday of King Thirumalai Nayak. It takes place in the month of "Thai", according to the Tamil calendar, which falls in the month of January or February.

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