Theppakulam Mariyamman temple in Madurai is most famous temple next to Meenakshi Amman temple. This temple is situated in the east side of the city and is about five kms from Meenakshi Amman temple. Opposite this temple is Theppakulam (Tank). It is one of the prominent features of Madurai and is an excellent example for Dravidian architecture. The Center of tank has a beautiful shrine for Lord Vinayaka.

Theppakulam Mariyamman Temple Location :

Theppakulam Mariamman temple is located at Madurai.

Distinctiveness:

Theppakulam Mariamman temple is completely devoted to Goddess Mariamman. Apart from the Goddess, there are Lord Vinayaka, Lord Muruga and Lord Pechi Amman. People from all over India visit this temple to seek the immense blessings of Goddess Mariamman. Residents of Madurai will never commence anything without offering Pooja to Mariamman, She is the guardian of Madurai and the Madurai people revere Her with all love and passion. The idol of Mariamman is in sitting posture with one leg folded and the other stamping a demon’s head. This temple is thronged with devotees all the time, especially damsels, childless couples, and patients suffering from skin diseases. It is a belief that, if people suffering from skin diseases, offer salt to Amman, their skin problems will be solved.

Legend

The legend has it that once a giant named Kartha Veerajuna, had 1000 hands and is more powerful that the Sun God. Using his power he got hold of all the devas and Rishis. He tortured them and punished them for nothing. His atrocities went beyond the limits and he went to the extent of capturing the sacred cow Kamadenu. Kamadenu is the beloved cow of Sage Jadamuni. Kartha Veerajuna beheaded the sage and his sons and capture the sacred cow.
Parahasuran one of the sons of Jadamuni was not present during the atrocities of Kartha, upon his arrival to the mutt, he was stunned to see all his brothers and father dead. His rage reached the breaking point and he vowed to take revenge upon the Kartha Veerajuna for consecutive 27 generations, by beheading all his family members with his axe.
Renuka devi the wife of Jadamuni, unable to bear the loss of her family, jumped into the pyre of her husband. Lord Shiva saved her from the fire by pouring down the rain, and told her that, she is a part of His Devi Parvathi and she has many powers. From that day on Renuka devi was named as Mari Amman (mari- rain) and became the folk deity of Tamilnadu. There are lots of Mariamman temples in Tamilnadu, one such temple is in Madurai.

Theppakulam Mariyamman Temple – Festivals:

Like all other Amman temples, Fridays and Tuesdays are very auspicious. Apart from that, Pungini Uthiram, Punguni Brahmotsavan ( March- April). Float festival is celebrated in a great manner. People gather at a large number at Theppakulam, during this float festival.

How to reach Theppakulam Mariyamman Temple ?

This temple is located near Theppakulam.
Bus:
Busses are available from Madurai Periyar bus stand. There are also taxis and share autos to this temple.
Train:
Nearest railway station is in Madurai.