Kamalalayam Tank

Kamalalayam Tank is a large sacred temple tank located in the centre of Tiruvarur, Tamil Nadu, adjoining the Thiyagaraja Temple. Covering about 33 acres, it is regarded as one of the largest temple tanks in India. The tank is rectangular with stepped ghats on all sides and a shrine in the centre. It serves as the temple's sacred water body and is a focal point for festivals and daily rituals.

Visitors can expect a vast open water body with stone stepped ghats on four sides and a small central mandapa accessible by causeway. The tank is surrounded by the Thiyagaraja Temple complex, streets and shops. The setting is open and spacious, suitable for walking along the bund, photography, observing temple rituals and viewing the tank from elevated points. During festivals the tank is decorated and hosts float processions.

Kamalalayam Tank is historically linked to the Thiyagaraja Temple, whose origins are associated with the Chola dynasty and later expansions by subsequent dynasties. The tank has served for centuries as the temple's sacred water source and for ritual purposes, and is traditionally considered among the largest temple tanks in Tamil Nadu.

The tank is sacred to devotees of the Thiyagaraja Temple and is integral to temple rituals and festivals. It is the venue for the Theppam or float festival when deities are taken in procession on the water. The tank and temple together form the cultural and religious centre of Tiruvarur.