Vaigai River

Vaigai River is the principal river of Madurai and a sacred waterway in Tamil cultural and religious tradition. The river flows through the heart of the city and is closely associated with the legends of the Meenakshi Temple, particularly the story of Lord Vishnu (as Alagar) entering the river during the Chithirai festival to attend Meenakshi's wedding. The river's banks in Madurai are dotted with ghats, temples, and bathing spots. The Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam, Madurai's large temple tank, is fed by a channel from the Vaigai. The river is central to Madurai's identity and its festival calendar.