vandiyur Mariamman Temple

vandiyur Mariamman Temple Madurai

  • Vandiyur Mariamman Theppakulam
 

Constructed in 1646 by Thirumalai Nayak, the Theppakulam—meaning “temple pond”—is a vast 16-acre tank located about 3 km from the Meenakshi Temple, featuring a platform with an idol of Lord Ganesh. According to legend, the site was discovered during the construction of the Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal and later developed for worship. The tank is ingeniously connected to the Vaigai River through an underground channel and is accessed by 12 granite steps on each side, with the Maiya Mandapam at its center, surrounded by a beautifully landscaped garden.

  • Festivals
 

The Mariamman Teppakulam is renowned for the Theppotsavam, or Float Festival, celebrated in the Tamil month of Thai (January/February) to honor the birth of King Tirumalai Nayak. On full moon nights, the pristine water becomes a colorful spectacle as the idols of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar are paraded on beautifully decorated floats, illuminating the temple surroundings. This vibrant festival attracts pilgrims from across India who come to participate in the grand celebration.

  • Special Features
The Mariamman Temple in Madurai is revered as the city’s guardian goddess, believed to provide blessings, heal ailments, and favor childbirth and marriage, with devotees lighting lemon lamps and offering salt and pepper for good fortune.
  • Travel
  • Buses from the Madurai Periyar bus stand will take you to this temple, or you can also take a taxi.
  • From Madurai Junction, this temple is a 30-minute drive. Both bus and auto facilities are there to reach this temple.
  • Madurai airport is the nearest one; you can hire a cab from the airport to this temple by bus.