Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam Tourism

Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam is an expansive temple tank associated with the famous Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the largest temple tanks in the state of Tamil Nadu, spread over a massive area. The tank is square in shape and is bordered on all four sides by wide granite steps leading to the water. The tank is fed by water from the Vaigai River through an intricate system of underground channels. In the center of the tank, there is a small mandapam (pavillion) with an idol of Vinayaka (Ganesh). The tank is particularly famous for the 'float festival' or 'Teppam festival', which is celebrated annually in the Tamil month of Thai (January-February) when the deities from the Meenakshi Temple are brought here on a decorated float for a ceremonial procession. The beauty of the float festival is accentuated by the lit lamps and the reflection that shimmers across the vast water body during the evening.