About Madurai Teppakkulam

is a large tank (reservoir) located about 5kms east of the Meenakshi Temple. Built by King Tirumala, the 16-acre tank, which is fed by underground channels from the Vaigai River, is the largest temple tank in South India, & one of the most imposing sights of Madurai when it is full of water.

The temple on the artificial island in the middle of the ‘lake’ is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. A temple dedicated to Mariamman, a famous village deity, is located north of the tank, hence the name.

The 'lake' is the location of the popular Float Festival held annually in Jan/Feb. Apparently, it was King Thirumala himself who originated the float festival back in the 17th century after he built the tank. That's when he started the annual custom of taking the divine idols for a boat ride on the lake on his birthday

 Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam is a huge beautiful tank which is 1000 feet long and 950 feet wide. Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam, MaduraiThis is about 5kms east of Meenakshi Temple.

There is a mandapam at the centre of the tank which has an idol of Lord Vigneshwara. The tank was built by King Thirumalai Nayak in 1646. It has underground channels to river Vaigai.

The Teppakulam is the venue of the annual Float Festival held in the months of January-February. A lot of tourists visit the Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam, Maduraiplace during the festival times.

 The tank was originally formed when land was dug to build Thirumalai Nayak Mahal. The area of the tank along with the Manadapam and a small garden is almost equal to the size of Meenakshi Temple. Huge trees with Nagalingam flowers can be found here.