India Guide
Tamil Nadu
Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam tank
Address: Southeastern Madurai
At one time, the huge Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam tank was filled with a constant supply of water, flowing via underground channels from the Vaigai. Nowadays, thanks to accidents, it is only filled during the spectacular Teppam floating festival (Jan/Feb), when pilgrims take boats out to the goddess shrine in the centre. Before their marriage ceremony, Shiva and Meenakshi are brought in procession to the tank, where they are floated on a raft beautifully decorated with lights, which devotees pull by ropes three times, encircling the shrine. The boat trip is believed to be the overture to a seduction that reaches its passionate conclusion later that night in the temple. This traditionally makes the Teppam the most auspicious time of year for young couples to get married.
During the rest of the year the tank and the central shrine remain empty. Accessible by steps, the tank is most often used as an impromptu cricket green, and the shade of the nearby trees makes a popular gathering place. Tradition states that the huge image of Ganesh, Mukkuruni Vinayaka, in the Meenakshi Temple, was uncovered here when the area was originally excavated to provide bricks for the Thirumalai Nayak Palace.