Vandiyur Mariamman Temple

Introduction to Vandiyur Mariamman Temple

Madurai, a district of Tamilnadu, boasts many ancient and new-age temples. Thousands of travelers arrive here from all parts of the world every day to explore its rich culture and ancient temples. Vandiyur Mariamman Temple is one of the ancient temples near the River Vaigai, which lies in the east of Madurai at 3 km from the world-famous Meenakshi Amman temple. Mariamman is the main deity who blesses her devotees from the primordial temple. In Tamil, 'Mari' means 'rain', so she is called the deity of rain.

Legend of Vandiyur Mariamman Temple

According to the Vandiyur Mariamman Temple legend, in order to build the Tirumalai Nayakkar Mahal, the place where the temple tank is located now was dug out to get soil for making bricks. As the soil was taken from here, people considered it blessed. A Ganesha idol was unearthed while digging the place. Later, the area was turned into the temple tank, which is connected to the River Vaigai via underground channels.

The Architecture of Vandiyur Mariamman Temple

The 2000-year-old temple exhibits South Indian temple architecture. A large temple tank surrounds the temple, one of the largest in the region. During the float festival, Vandiyur Mariamman Theppakulam is a big attraction for devotees.

In the Vandiyur Mariamman Temple, two dwarapalakis are at the temple entrance. Vinayaga under the Peepal tree and Pechi Amman bless the devotees along with the prime deity, Mariamman. Here, Pechi Amman appears differently. Her left-hand squeezes the neck of a person. The 7-feet Mukuruny Vinayakar idol of Meenakshi Amman temple was found while excavating the Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam.

The square temple tank sprawls over 16 acres. Twelve long granite steps on all four sides make a pavement for the Vandiyur Mariamman Theppakulam (temple pond). In the middle of the tank, pilgrims can see a Vigneshwara temple. King Thirumalai Nayak built the long stairs around the temple tank and the temple.

Festivals of Vandiyur Mariamman Temple

The float festival called "Theppotsavam" is grandly celebrated in Mariamman Teppakulam, which falls in Thai (January to February). The function is celebrated to commemorate the birth of King Tirumalai Nayakkar. It is celebrated during the full moon (Pournami). Both natural and artificial lights brighten the night. The idols of Sundareswarar and Meenakshi, Meenakshi Amman temple deities, are taken down into the Thepakkulam, which is a mesmerizing sight. Pilgrims across the world come here to participate in this float festival.

Benefits of Worshipping at Vandiyur Mariamman Temple

Devotees who suffer from smallpox and eye sores pray at the Vandiyur Mariamman Temple to get cured. The deity is also worshipped to remove marriage obstacles and for children's welfare. People with skin diseases offer salt and pepper to the deity. Every Tuesday and Friday, devotees light lemon lamps for a prosperous life and good fortune.

After receiving the blessings, devotees carry milk pots, fire pots, and mulaipari. They also offer silk vastras to Mariamman. People believe that the Abisheka water of the holy tank can cure many diseases and even eliminates bad luck.