For ages, temple tanks have played an integral role in the religious life of Hindus. Almost every large Hindu temple is associated with a temple tank. It is used by the pilgrims for ritualistic bathing, offering prayers, and other religious activities. Here is a list of the largest temple tanks in India.
1. Haridra Nadhi
The Haridra Nadhi is India’s largest temple tank, and perhaps the largest in the world. It is part of the Rajagopalaswamy temple, a Vaishnavite temple located in Mannargudi, Tamil Nadu. Rainwater is the source of the water in the tank. It is located at the entrance to the temple and occupies an area of 23 acres.
2. Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam
The second largest temple tank in India, the Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam, encompasses an area of 16 acres. The pond is located close to the Vandiyur Mariamman Temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. It is primarily used for devotional festivals. The large tank is linked to the Vaigai River via a system of underground channels. According to historical accounts, the tank that we see today was originally a pit that was dug on the orders of the king Thirumalai Naicker to use the soil to prepare the bricks for the king’s palace. The Float Festival is celebrated here every year and is attended by Hindu pilgrims from all corners of India.
3. Kamalalayam Temple Tank
The Kamalalayam Temple Tank also has an area of 16 acres. It is part of the Thyagaraja temple in Tiruvarur, Tamil Nadu. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva’s Somaskanda aspect.
4. Mahamaham Tank, Kumbakonam
This temple tank is located in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu. It has an area of 6.2 acres making it the country’s third-biggest temple tank. It serves as the venue of the Masimaham festival that attracts 0.1 million visitors a year. The ancient tank is associated with numerous mythological legends. Sixteen small shrines surround the tank. The tank also hosts 21 wells within it which are named after the Indian Rivers or Hindu Gods.
5. Kapaleeshwarar Temple Tank
This temple tank is the fifth largest in India and covers an area of 7.5 acres. It is part of the Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Mylapore, Tamil Nadu. The temple displays the typical Dravidian style of architecture and is dedicated to Shiva. Two entrances marked by gopurams lead to the sacred tank.
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