Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam — Attraction in Madurai

Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam is a historic temple tank situated in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India. It was built by King Thirumalai Nayak in the 17th century. The tank covers an area of about 16 acres, making it one of the largest temple tanks in Tamil Nadu.

The tank is renowned for its steps, mandapams (pavilions), and the central island where the Mariamman temple is located. The tank's significance is highlighted during the annual Teppakulam Float Festival, where the deities Meenakshi and Sundareswarar are placed on a beautifully decorated float and taken around the tank amidst grand celebrations.

The construction of Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam was an engineering marvel of its time, as it involved intricate architecture and innovative water management techniques to store and distribute water. The tank also serves as a water reservoir for irrigation purposes in the surrounding areas.

The temple tank and its surroundings have historical, religious, and cultural importance, making it a must-visit destination for tourists and devotees alike.

Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam also holds cultural and religious significance. The annual Teppakulam Float Festival, which takes place during the Tamil month of Thai (January-February), is one of the major events held at the tank. During this festival, idols of deities Meenakshi and Sundareswarar are placed on a beautifully adorned float and taken around the tank in a grand procession. Devotees from all around gather to witness and participate in this event.

The tank and its surroundings have become an integral part of Madurai’s cultural heritage, attracting visitors, devotees, and history enthusiasts alike. The combination of its historical importance, architectural marvel, and religious practices make Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam a significant landmark in the...

A popular place to see in Madurai, Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam is associated with the Vandiyur Mariamman Temple. A temple pond complex with a man-made island in the middle, it is primarily used for religious purposes. Located only 2 km from the famous Meenakshi Sundareswara Temple, it also attracts hordes of devotees. Considered as one of the largest temple tanks not only in Tamil Nadu but in South India, this temple tanks receives its water from the River Vaigai.

Built in 1645 AD during the rule of Thirumalai Nayak, this temple pond is surrounded by granite steps on all the four sides while in the middle a Vigneshwara Temple is located, which is dedicated to Lord Vinayaka/ Lord Ganesha. These long stairs around the pond along with the temple were built by King Thirumalai Nayak.

There is a legend behind Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam. According to the legend, to build Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal sand was dug out of this tank to get the soil for creating bricks. Owing to this the palace is considered to be a blessed one. During the digging process, an idol of Lord Ganesh was unearthed. The same idol has been enshrined in the temple. This area was later turned into Teppakulam, which is connected to River Vaigai through...

Iconic place of madurai which situated in a river bed of vaigai river...the place can be easily accessible through public transport like buses and auto's...there is regular bus service from Periyar bus stand ...best place for outing...it is situated near open of the famous arts college In madurai...Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam (Tamil:வண்டியூர் மாரியம்மன் தெப்பக்குளம்) is a temple tank located near to Vandiyur Mariamman Temple and situated at a distance of about 5 km from the Meenakshi Amman Temple. Literally, Teppakulam means temple pond mainly used for devotional festivals.The tank is connected to Vaigai River through an ingenious system of underground Channels. It has total of 12 long stairs (steps) made of granite on all four sides. The temple as well as the stairs was built by the King Thirumalai Nayak. In the centre of the tank there is a Madapam called Maiya Mandapam (Central Mandapam) with Vinayakar temple...