Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam is the pond located near to Vandiyur Mariamman Temple and situated at a distance of about 2 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 and garden.
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| Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam |
Tourist Attraction :
- This is the location where the king Thirumalai Naicker excavated the soil to fabricate the bricks required for constructing his palace, Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal.
- The pit that was thus formed is seen as tank now. It is approximately 305 M long and 290 M wide, nearly equal area to that of Meenakshi Amman Temple. Built in 1645 A.D.,this is the biggest tank in Tamil Nadu.
- 7 foot tall Mukuruny Vinayakar idol in Meenakshi Amman Temple is believed to be found during excavation process of this pond.
Significance
- Mariamman Teppakulam is famous for the celebrations of the Float festival, which is celebrated in the Tamil month of Thai(Jan/Feb).
- The celebrations take place on a full moon night and the pristine water turns colourful as the temple is lit.
- The idols of Goddess Meenakshi and her consort Lord Sundareshwarar, the deities of the Meenakshi Amman Temple come down to the tank in colorful floats, presenting a mesmerizing sight.
- Pilgrims across India come to Madurai to participate in the festival.
Labels: Madurai, Tamil Nadu
