In the present study, the quality of Vaigai River at two distinct places Madurai and Manamadurai were studied. The river water samples from three places in the upstream side and downstream side of each of the sites were collected and used for water quality analysis. The samples were subjected to various physicochemical parameters like pH, dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity, chlorides, and heavy metals as per the standard procedure. The obtained values were used to prepare the community friendly Eco-heart index. The river water samples at the upstream of Madurai were found to be having concentrations of pH-8.32±0.28, turbidity-32±8 nephelometric turbidity unit and total dissolved solids-1765±55 mg/L (moderately contaminated) compared to downstream side (pH-8.77±0.25, turbidity-107±12 nephelometric turbidity unit and total dissolved solids-2180±95 mg/L (highly contaminated). Similarly, in the Manamadurai site also the concentrations were higher in downstream side (pH-8.94±0.15, turbidity-235±18 nephelometric turbidity unit, total dissolved solids-2755±32 mg/L) than upstream side (pH-8.72±0.23, turbidity-74±22 nephelometric turbidity unit and total dissolved solids-2110±25 mg/L). Similarly, the Eco-Heart index value also shows that there is no proper heart shape at any point, symbolizes that Vaigai River water is unfit to drink in Madurai and Manamadurai. Hence, the results conclude that the river water has to be extensively treated before used for drinking or cooking purpose. The dumping of solid waste and discharge of wastewater in the course of the river body has to be avoided.