Vaigai River (Vaigai Dam) - madurai tourism

The Vaigai river is only 200 miles long. Its not even perennial. In fact, in summer months it is full of weeds. It was however the life time of Madurai, once upon a time. “Vaigai” has remained “Vaigai” for the last 2,200 years. It has been mentioned in Tamil Literature repeatedly.

The myth behind the name- in order to quench the thirst of the giant Gundotharan, Lord Shiva asks the river Godess Ganga to flow around Madurai in abundance. Gundothoran, placed his hand next to his mouth and drank the water that flowed into his hands. Hence “Vaikai” meaning ‘Place in the hand’.

Vaigai originates from the Varushanad Hills and flows past forests, tea estates, cardamom plantations, coffee estates and orange orchards. It joins Suruli river in Theni. The dam is a very lush and popular picnic spot.

The ruins of a Maiyamandapam can still be seen from the bridges. The stone and mortar central hall was built by the Nayaks. Large amounts of antique coins – Greek, Roman, Pandian and Nayak have been picked up from the river bed.

If you are looking for a breathtaking view, travel 5-6 miles west of Madurai along the river, on a winter evening or early morning.