Introduction

The grand venue of the very popular ‘Float Festival’ held during January-February every year, Mariamman Teppakulam is a beautiful square tank spread out over 16 acres, about 5 kilometers (3 miles) east of Meenakshi Temple. The tank sets the scene for the colorful Float Festival to celebrate the birth anniversary of King Thirumalai Nayak who built it. The area of the tank and the island pavilion with a garden in the center, is almost equal to that of the Meenakshi Temple, making it the largest temple tank in South India. The lake is fed by the Vaigai River through underground channels.

Mythology has it that earth was dug out to make bricks for the upcoming Thirumalai Nayak Palace in the 17th century, and later the king ordered to convert the excavated depression into a lake with an artificial island in the middle of it and dedicated it to Lord Ganesha. Soon he initiated a custom of taking the divine idols for a boat ride on the waters of the lake on his birthday.

On the day of the Float Festival, the idols of Meenakshi and Sundereshwar are carried from the main temple in a grand procession to the big lake called Teppakolam, and then drawn to the shrine built in the middle of the small island. The celebrations take place on a full moon night when the deities are placed on a float called ‘Teppam’ decked with flowers, illuminated with hundreds of light, and taken around the tank to the rhythm of traditional music. You will find a little temple on the northern side of the tank dedicated to Mariamman, a popular village deity of Tamil Nadu.

The celebrations open up a spectacular symphony of light and color, what with pilgrims and tourists in thousands flocking to Madurai to witness this religious extravaganza.

Special Attributes

During Float Festival, nighttime affords a spectacular view of the water and the island in its centre, as it comes alive with thousands of glittering lights and vivid colors.

Nuisance

Touts, beggars, street-hawkers

Dressing restrictions

Dress is whatever you find comfortable.

Connectivity

From the bus stand and railway station, buses, taxis, auto rickshaws and cycle rickshaws are available to reach the temple. From airport too, which lies at the distance of 10 kilometres from the city, taxis and auto rickshaws are available for the site.

Enjoyed by

Families, Backpackers, Senior Citizens

Exposure

You will mostly be outdoors. The sun could be harsh in the noon - you are advised to carry a cap, sunshades and a bottle of drinking water.

Avoidable Season

June, July, August

Facilities

The main Meenakshi Temple is just 5 kilometers (3 miles) away from the tank.

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction.

Tip

Early evening is an ideal time to visit this pretty lake and enjoy a boat ride to the island shrine at its heart.

Type of site

Lake, square water tank