Thanjai Maamani Koil, Thanjavur - Legends
Origin of River Vennaaru:
The
temple is located in the banks of Vennaaru
River. The Lord is believed to
have appeared for sage Parasarar. Tanjore is the capital of the Chola Kingdom. Parasara
Maharishi’s and all the other rishi’s wanted to get Dharsan of Lord Narayana
down in this earth and hence the Lord sat on the bank of the river vinnaaru now
Vennaaru which is a pious river flowing with Amudhan (the drink bringing
eternity) in the Vishnuloga. This is the story behind the formation of the
Tanjore Maamani Koils. It’s also said that the Viraja River flowing in the
Vishnu Lokam has changed as Vennaaru here.
King of Universe:
As the
Utsavar, Sriman Narayanan is considered as to be the king of this whole
universe; he has the Sengol (Baton) in his hand.
Story behind Thanjai Yazhinagar Perumal:
There is
a beautiful story regarding the Thanjai Yazhinagar Perumal. Sage Parasara
sprayed the nectar he obtained from the milk ocean in the Manimutha River,
built a hermitage on the river bank and was performing penance. Parasa
Maharishi along with other rishi’s was living here. Demons destroyed their Yagnas
and gave the rishi’s lots of troubles. Among them Tharagan, Thandagan and
Thanjagan were particular in their tasks. Kaalidevi (Wife of Lord Shiva) killed
almost all the Demons. But somehow Thanjagan escaped from her and started to
trouble the rishi’s. So as an answer to the prayer of rishi’s, Lord Narayana
took the form of Narasimha once again and killed the demon.
It is to
be noted that Thaaragan and Thandagan was killed by Kaali during the period of
Krishna avathaar but Lord Narayana took the form of Narasima which is 4th
avathaar. So this Yazhinagar Narasimmar is very special. In remembrance of
Thanjakasuran this place is called as Tanjore Nagar and the Thaayar Thanjai
Naayaki. The Vedas say that Lord Narayana would take any form at any time to
protect his devotees. And the above case proves it. As the meaning of Vedas is
explained here, the Vimaanam of this place is Vedasundara Vimaanam.
