About Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam
The renowned temple of Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam is one of the most worshipped sacred sites of the beloved Hindu Lord Ganesha and Pechi Amman across the lovely city of Madurai. The temple is known across the nation for its sacred pond area which makes it home to one of the biggest sacred tanks across the South Indian borders.
Legend
The legend believes that the soil to build the bricks for the further construction of the renowned Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace was dug from below this tank itself. While the soil was being vigorously dug, an ancient idol of the Hindu Almighty Shiva's son Lord Ganesha was discovered buried under the tank.
The specifications
The specifications of the temple tank include that it is surrounded on all sides by twelve lovely steps of granite which make it quite a regal site to be in. It is intricately connected through the holy river of Vaigai. The site is believed to have been built under the supervision of the Nayak King himself. It is situated beside the central Maiya Mandapam which is an attractive holy site here.
Festivals
As a continuation of the celebration of the Nayak Raja Thirumalai's birthday, the temple premises is full of decorations and devotees on the full moon night festival of Teppoothsavam (also called the Theppotsavam) which is commonly known as the Float festival. The festival is celebrated every year during January and February which has been a tradition going on since the 17th century. The gorgeous idols of Lord Sundareswarar and Goddess Meenakshi can be seen here as well. What becomes extremely mesmerizing is the breathtaking decorations with lighting lamps that decorate the entire temple premises.
All these wonderful specifications make it one sure place among the best places to visit in Madurai and an irreplaceable site in every Madurai tour package.
Major attractions
There is a lush vibrant garden beside the Ganesha temple as well. The temple has been worshipping the same shrine ever since as thousands of devotees come here every day to pay their respects. It is even believed across the state that the Abhisheka waters of the holy tank can cure innumerable diseases among the devotees like that of Small Pox or even prevailing bad luck.
Madurai Teppakulam size in km
This stunning square tank sprawls over an area of about 16 acres. Its positioned almost 4 km towards the eastern direction of the famed Madurai Meenakshi Temple.
Teppakulam Mariamman temple Madurai timings
Devotees can pay their respects and do darshans when the temple opens at 6 am. It receives people till 9 pm.
How to reach
Distance in kilometers from: Meenakshi Temple - 5 Kilometers.