Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam is a temple tank located near to Vandiyur
Mariamman Temple and situated at a distance of about 4 km (2.4 mi) from the
Meenakshi Amman Temple. Literally, Teppakulam means temple pond mainly used
for devotional festivals.
The tank is connected to Vaigai River through an ingenious system of
underground Channels. It has total of 12 long stairs (steps) made of granite
on all four sides. The temple as well as the stairs was built by the King
Thirumalai Nayak. In the centre of the tank there is a Madapam called Maiya
Mandapam (Central Mandapam) with Vinayakar temple and garden.
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Panorama seen from east to west
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Vandiyur Mariamman Temple
Vandiyur Mariamman Temple is
located east of the city temple of Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India.
- It is dedicated to Mariamman, the Hindu Goddess of rain.
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It is situated near to river Vaigai at a distance of about 4 km (2.4
mi) from the Meenakshi Amman Temple.
- The temple has its huge pond Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam.
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Although Mariammam Shrine is the prime shrine, the temple has the
deities Pechiammam and Vinayagar (another name for Ganesha) located
beside a pipal tree (also known as the sacred fig or Bodhi tree). The
pipal tree is believed to be the tree under which Gautama Buddha
attained enlightenment.
- Two Dvarapala are located on the entrance of Mariamman shrine.
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The bull contemplates the goddess Mariamman
Mariamman, also
known as Mariamma, is a revered Hindu goddess primarily worshipped in
South India. She is known as the Goddess of Rain and Fertility.
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Mariamman is believed to bring rain, which is essential for
agriculture, and thus prosperity. She is also invoked to cure diseases
like cholera, smallpox, and chickenpox.
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She is often depicted as a beautiful young woman with a red-hued face,
wearing a red dress. Sometimes she is shown with many arms, but
usually, she has two or four.
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Mariamman is often portrayed holding a trident (trisula) in one hand
and a bowl (kapala) in the other. One of her hands may display the
abhaya mudra, which wards off fear.
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Her worship is particularly prominent during the late summer/early
autumn season, especially during the festival of Aadi Thiruvizha in
Tamil Nadu.
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Mariamman is considered a guardian deity (kaval deivam) by many South
Indian village-dwellers. She is also associated with other goddesses
like Parvati, Kali, and Durga.
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Mariamman's worship is deeply rooted in the agrarian culture of Tamil
Nadu, where she is seen as a life-giver and protector. Her festivals
and rituals are vibrant expressions of faith, bringing together
communities in collective worship and celebration.
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See Also
Source
Location
Amma Mandapam Ghats, Srirangam
Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam
Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal, Madurai
Meenakshi Temple, Madurai