Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam

Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam is a large historic temple tank located in Vandiyur, about 5 km east of central Madurai, Tamil Nadu. Constructed in 1645 by King Thirumalai Nayak, it is considered the largest temple tank in Tamil Nadu, covering about 16 acres. The tank features a central mandapa housing an idol of Lord Vigneswara and is linked to the Vandiyur Mariamman Temple. It is renowned for the annual float festival and its vast granite steps.

Visitors can expect a vast rectangular granite-lined water tank with long stepped ghats on all four sides and a central island mandapa (Neerazhi Mandapam) with a Vinayaka shrine. The tank is mostly dry for much of the year and fills during monsoon. The surroundings include the Vandiyur Mariamman Temple on the eastern side, open promenades for walking, and views of the expansive tank bed. During the annual float festival, the tank is filled and illuminated with decorated floats.

Constructed in 1645 by King Thirumalai Nayak of the Nayak dynasty. The tank was excavated to obtain soil for manufacturing bricks needed for the construction of the Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace and Meenakshi Temple expansion. It is regarded as the largest temple tank in Tamil Nadu and is built with granite steps on all sides with a central mandapa.

Associated with the Vandiyur Mariamman Temple and dedicated to Goddess Mariamman. The tank is the venue for the annual Teppotsavam (Float Festival) celebrated on Thai Poosam day in January-February, when idols of Meenakshi and Sundareswarar are taken in a decorated float. The festival draws large numbers of devotees and is a major cultural event in Madurai.