List of largest temple tanks
Temple tanks, traditionally known as “Theerthams,” “Pushkarnis,” or “Kulams”, are sacred water bodies associated with Hindu temples across India. These tanks not only serve as sources of water for ritual purification and ceremonies but also reflect the architectural grandeur and spiritual ethos of temple culture, especially in South India. Tamil Nadu is home to some of the largest and oldest temple tanks in the country, often serving as venues for important temple festivals like Theppam (Float Festival). These tanks are constructed with precise geometry and aligned with temple architecture, symbolizing the cosmic ocean in which divinity resides.
Among these, the Haridra Nadhi at Sri Vidhya Rajagopalaswamy Temple, Mannargudi, is considered the largest temple tank in India, spanning 23 acres, and is often referred to as the “Daughter of the Kaveri River.” Other notable tanks include Madurai Teppakulam, Kamalalayam in Tiruvarur, and Mahamaham Tank in Kumbakonam, each with its unique historical, architectural, and ritualistic significance.
The following is a list of the largest temple tanks in India, organized by area: