About Vandiyur Mariamman Temple

Vandiyur Mariamman temple is close to the Vaigai River, 3 km from the world-famous Meenakshi temple. Although Mariamman Shrine is the prime shrine, the temple has the goddess Pechi Amman and Lord Ganesh beside a Peepul tree. It is an ancient temple that is 2000 years old. The moolavar here is Mari Amman, and the sacred water is the theppakulam.

Vandiyur Mariamman Theppakulam:

Built in 1646 by Thirumalai Nayak, the central tank features an idol of Lord Ganesh installed on a platform.

According to legend, this site was discovered while digging for bricks to construct Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal, and then it was later transformed into a tank dedicated to Lord Ganesh.

It is a massive 16-acre tank located roughly 3 km away from the Meenakshi Temple. Literally, Theppakulam means the temple pond, mainly used for devotional festivals.

The tank is ingeniously connected to the Vaigai River via an underground channel system. It features 12 long granite steps on all four sides. At the centre of the tank stands the Maiya Mandapam (Central Mandapam), which houses a temple dedicated to Lord Ganesh and is surrounded by a beautiful garden.

Festivals:

The Mariamman Teppakulam is renowned for the Theppotsavam, or Float Festival, celebrated in the Tamil month of Thai (January/February). This festival commemorates the birth of King Tirumalai Nayak and is a significant event, attracting numerous visitors. It is a full moon night, so the pure water is turned into a colourful spectacle, giving the impression that the temple is completely lit up. The idols of Goddess Meenakshi and her consort Lord Sundareswarar, the deities of the Meenakshi temple, come down to the tank in colourful floats, presenting a mesmerising sight. Pilgrims across India come to Madurai to participate in the festival.

Special Features:

Mariamman Temple in Madurai holds a special place in the hearts of the locals, as the goddess is believed to possess boundless power and is revered as the guardian of Madurai. Nothing begins in this land without worshipping Mariamman. People with eye soreness, smallpox, seeking childbirth, or marriage will be relieved of their ill luck. The Abhisheka water in this temple has many magical powers and can cure smallpox, chicken pox, and eye problems. And also, people with skin diseases offer salt and pepper to the goddess. Especially on Fridays and Tuesdays, devotees light lemon lamps along the plank for a better life and fortune.

Opening Timings:

The temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 9.00 p.m. continuously.

Nearby Places to Visit:

Meenakshi Amman temple, Thiruparankundram Murugan temple, Alagar temple, Gandhi Memorial Museum, St. Mary's Cathedral Church, and Pazhamudircholai Murugan temple are some of the nearby places.

Travel Mode:

• Bus: Buses from the Madurai Periyar bus stand will take you to this temple, or you can also take a taxi.
• Train: From Madurai Junction, this temple is a 30-minute drive. Both bus and auto facilities are available to reach this temple.
• Airport: Madurai Airport is the nearest one; you can hire a cab from the airport to this temple by bus.