Mariamman Teppakulam

Views:

2 km from the Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai. Edit

Detail InformationEdit

Mariamman Teppakulam is the temple pond associated with the Vandiyur Mariamman Temple (teppakulam literally means temple pond in Tamil). A beautiful complex with 12 granite steps each on all 4 sides, with a man-made island in its centre which is home to the Vigneshwara Temple. 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. The pond/lake is one of the largest of its kind in South India and it one of the most spectacular sights of Madurai, especially when it is full to its brim. Every year, the place is witness to the colourful festival of Teppoothsavam (or float festival). It occurs in the month of “Thai”, according to the Tamil calendar, which falls in the month of January or February. On the full moon night, the idols of Meenakshi Amman and her consort, Sundareshwar, are brought out in colourful floats, while devotes tug the ropes of the float to take them around the lake. This festival dates back to Thirumalai Nayak’s reign, where he celebrated this festival as a part of his birthday festivities. The entire lake comes alive with lights and colours and is one of the most vibrant times to be in Madurai.

Mariamman Teppakulam, Madurai

HistoryEdit

Mariamman Teppakulam is a huge square tank is located 5 km east of the Meenakshi Temple, which covers an area of 16 acres. The pond is believed to have been built in th 17th century by the Nayak ruler Thirumalai Nayak. This tank is The centre of the tank holds an idol of Lord Vinayaka or Vigneshwara, which is installed on a platform. According to legend, the place was found when the earth was dug to make bricks for constructing Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal. The place was converted into a tank and was dedicated to lord Ganesha. This tank serves as the site of annual Teppakulam Float Festival, which is celebrated in the months of January and February. Furthermore, it is one of the major tourist attractions as it is the largest temple tank in Tamil Nadu. It is said that the lake get its water from River Vaigai.

Must SeeEdit

Attraction

Visiting TimeEdit

5:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Closed OnEdit

N.A

Best Season to VisitEdit

Oct – Mar

Best Time To VisitEdit

Morning, Afternoon, Evening.

Time Required for SightseeingEdit

1 hour

Ticket Required : No Edit

Individual National Adult Rs. : N.A

Kids Rs. : N.A

Individual Foreigner Adult Rs. : N.A

Kids Rs. : N.A

Still Photo Camera Rs. : N.A

Video Camera Rs. : N.A

Guide Required : N.A Edit

Approximate cost: N.A

Dress Code (If Any) : No Edit

Dress Require: N.A

Restaurants NearbyAdd / Edit

Thai Restaurant ; Lake View Rd, Sathamangalam, Madurai. ; Ph/M – N.A ; Food Serve – Indian.

How to ReachEdit

Taxi : Public transportation in Madhrai consists of local taxis. And one can also a car or a taxi.

Bus : Many private operators are providing deluxe AC and non-AC luxury coach buses from Madurai to many cities in the South India, including Chennai (Rs 500), Trivandrum (Rs 400), Coimbatore (Rs 350), Trichy (Rs 300), Bangalore (Rs 500) etc. Tamil Nadu State Road Transport Corporation buses connect Madurai with other local cities in and around. Super fast buses of TSRTC runs between Madurai and Chennai.

Train : Madurai has its own railway station which connect the city to every part of the country. Direct train services from Delhi (Thirukkural Exp), Kolkata (Kannyakumari Ex), Chennai (Vaigai Exp) and Bangalore (Tuticorin Exp) are available.

Air : Madurai Airport is located about 10 km from the heart of the city. Taxi charges about Rs 150 to cover this distance. Madurai is connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore and many other cities by air and the tickets are moderately priced. Chennai is the nearest international airport, which is connected to most of the Indian cities and international destinations.

Others : Auto rickshaws in Madurai do not run on meter and a fare should be negotiated beforehand. Day time travel will cost you around Rs 10 per kilometer and night fares are Rs 15 per kilometer. These are easily accessible, present in all major locations.