Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam facts for kids

Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam is a very special temple tank located in the city of Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India. It's like a big, beautiful pond right next to the Vandiyur Mariamman Temple. This amazing tank is only about 2 kilometers away from the famous Meenakshi Amman Temple.

A Look at the Teppakulam

This large tank was built a long, long time ago, in 1645 A.D. That's over 375 years ago! When it was first built, it was the biggest tank in all of Tamil Nadu. Today, it's still incredibly large, ranking as the third largest temple tank in the entire world.

How It Was Built

The Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam is made with strong granite stones on all four sides. It also has 12 long steps that go down into the water, making it easy to access. A clever underground channel connects the tank to the Vaigai River. This channel helps to keep the tank filled with water, especially during the rainy season.

The Story of Mukuruny Vinayakar

There's an interesting story connected to the building of this tank. It's believed that a very special statue, the 7-foot-tall Mukuruny Vinayakar idol, was found when workers were digging to create this pond. This idol is now kept in the Meenakshi Amman Temple.

The Famous Float Festival

The Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam is most famous for its incredible Float Festival, also known as "Teppam." This festival is a huge celebration that happens every year in the Tamil month of Thai, which is usually between January 14th and February 15th.

What Happens at the Festival?

During the Float Festival, the tank comes alive with lights and music. A beautifully decorated raft, carrying the idols of the gods, is floated on the water. People gather around the tank to watch this amazing sight, making it a truly memorable event for everyone. It's a wonderful way to celebrate and enjoy the beauty of this historic place.

Images for kids

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  Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam at night

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  View of the temple from the Teppakulam