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Tradition says
Tradition holds Shiva blessed the tank and declared no marine life would grow in it. Tamil folklore holds the tank judged the worth of new literature - a work of merit would float, a worthless one sink - and ties it to the Sangam academies.
Historians say
The temple's sacred tank, about 50 m by 37 m, also called Adhi Theertham, Sivaganga and Uthama Theertham. Pilgrims bathe here before entering the Meenakshi and Sundareswarar sanctums. Surviving Nayak-period frescoes in the portico on the western side depict the wedding of Sundareswarar and Meenakshi, attended by Vijayaranga Chokkanatha and Rani Mangammal.