Virudhunagar has been acknowledged as one of the most water-deficient districts in the state of Tamil Nadu. The water distribution infrastructure in the previous century was significantly less developed than it is today. Men, women and children would gather water from nearby sources using pots to meet their daily needs. At that time, no residents possessed water tanks, sumps, or taps. Life must have been exceedingly challenging for my ancestors during those times.
But as the saying goes, necessity is the mother of invention. Individuals who were truly concerned about the welfare of the town united to deliberate on potential solutions to address the water scarcity. They conceived a remarkable vision that would benefit our community for generations in various aspects. This led to the birth of what we fondly call the theppam or theppakulam in Virudhunagar.
The present day Virudhunagar theppam was originally an oorani. There are more than sixty different classifications of water bodies in Tamil Nadu. An oorani refers to a pond containing potable water, primarily utilized by households. To transform this oorani into a man-made theppam, it was necessary to obtain approvals from several government departments. Fortunately, there were minimal obstacles, as all officials acted in accordance with their duties and prioritized the welfare of the town and its residents. But they didn’t have enough funds for this project. Undertaking a project of this magnitude, involving several government departments and crowdsourcing of funds would be close to impossible in present times. But they were able to pull it off back then.
Throughout history, there has been a notable correlation between expertise in managing water scarcity and proficiency in financial management. Despite the scarcity of water in Virudhunagar, business thrived remarkably. Prominent business leaders from the town made substantial contributions towards the theppam. The materials required for construction were sourced from the town and surrounding villages. The bhoomi pooja of the theppam was performed on the auspicious day of 3rd August 1866. This event occurred quite long ago, yet our town continues to reap the benefits of this initiative even today. Ideally, a community should possess a clear vision and transform that vision into a series of projects. Executing those projects should yield enduring benefits to the community resulting in an inclusive upliftment of everyone.
The theppam has approximate dimensions of 298 feet on the north and south sides, 330 feet on the east side, and 328 feet on the west side. It reaches a depth of 21 feet and covers an area exceeding 3.6 acres. The total cubic capacity of the theppam is 5.6 crore liters. Within the theppam, three wells of varying sizes have been strategically excavated. Additionally, a small hall is situated at the center of the theppam. For safety reasons, a robust compound wall has been erected around the perimeter. A system of large pipes concealed underground directed water from several sources, including the Ilaya Nayakkar Oorani located near Perali. The theppam, a remarkable feat of engineering, was also one of the early implementations of rainwater harvesting. The rainwater was subjected to a two-stage sedimentation process before it was collected in the theppam. This remarkable rainwater harvesting system, established over 150 years ago, was significantly ahead of its time. This theppam plays a crucial role in maintaining the groundwater level within a one-kilometer radius. Roads have been built around the theppam using the soil that was removed during excavation.
The construction faced interruptions several times due to significant financial shortages. In response, the Virudhunagar Hindu Nadar Devasthanam liquidated some of its assets to ensure the project’s completion. Each household contributed by providing a volunteer for the construction work. Women prepared meals in their homes and generously distributed them to the volunteers. Children eagerly served drinking water to them. By the year 1920, the theppam had evolved into its current form, signifying an impressive 54-year journey of development. The theppam stands as a testament to the determination and persistence of this town’s people. During the inauguration, a folk artist performed a kummi paattu, a traditional form of Tamil folk music, celebrating the significance of the theppam.
Even in contemporary times, when an individual from Virudhunagar encounters another person of Virudhunagarian origin residing in a different city, state, or country, the initial inquiry typically posed by the latter is, “What’s the current water level at our theppam?” The realization that the theppam is brimming with water brings immense joy and satisfaction. Freshwater fish from the theppam are auctioned annually, attracting significant demand. Swimming contests are arranged from time to time, with audiences fervently cheering for the contestants from various vantage points around the theppam. The act of feeding fishes in the theppam with puffed rice can offer a deeply tranquil experience. One may also enjoy a fish pedicure by taking a seat on the steps and immersing their legs in the water. Observing a fully filled theppam during the Tamil month of Karthigai, adorned with decorative lights, is a sight to behold. The theppam undoubtedly serves as a source of pride for our quaint little town, Virudhunagar.
Photo Credit: Ajeeth Kumar
