Thanjai Maamani Koil, Thanjavur
Thanjai Maamani
Koil is a set of three Hindu temples dedicated to Lord
Vishnu located in Thanjavur, Tamilnadu, India and are close to each other. It is one of
the Divya Desams, the 108 temples of Vishnu revered by the 12 poet saints, or Alwars.
Unlike
other Divyadesams where a single shrine is referred, this set of temples
is referred together in all the Paasurams (poems). This temple is in
Tanjore district of Tamil Nadu. It’s in the banks of the river Vennaaru and
it’s about 2 1/2 miles away from the Tanjore railway station. Bus facilities
are provided and staying facilities are furnished.
Lord
Vishnu has been worshipped by the devotees in three different temples Neelamegha
Perumal Temple, Manikundram Temple and Thanjai Yali Temple. Thanjai
Maamani Temple comes under one Divya Desam, with three temples cluster within a
reach of few hundred meters to each other temple.
The Lord
presented himself in the form of Narasimha to Dhatchagan (Thanjagan – in Tamil)
at his request, hence the name Thanjai. The Lord in Thanjai Maamani Kovil faces
Thanjavur hence is that Thanjai Kattharulum Deivam (Protector of Thanjavur). Brahmotsavam
are celebrated in Tamil months of Panguni, Chithirai and Vaikasi (March to
June) for the three temples are celebrated in succession.
Legends
For
brief details, please refer below link;
Temple
Speciality
After Perumal
came to this place, it is said that Kubera asked Vishwakarma, the architect for devas, to build a city here. Vishwakarma
built a city in the form of a garuda that is flying. It is said that in
this city, since it is in the shape of a flying garuda, garuda protects
everyone.
It is
also considered by learned people that the three Perumals, Neelamegha
Perumal, Manikundram Perumal and Narasimha Perumal are with Sridevi, Bhudevi
and Neeladevi in this Divya Desam.
The
river here is supposed to be the same as virajaa Nadhi that flows in paramapadham.
In Tamizh, that river is called Vennaru - a derivative of vinnaaru.
At one
time, the three temples were in different locations around Thanjavur. (Neelamegha Perumal near Manimutharu, Manikundram Perumal in the part known as Kalimedu, Narasimha Perumal near a pond called Singa Perumal
Kulam). During the rule of the nayakkars, all the three Perumals were
moved to their current location.
Since
all the three Perumals are facing Thanjavur, the Perumal is called as Thanjai Maamani - the treasure on Thanjai that is protecting it.
This
Divyadesam is a collection of 3 temples each within a distance of about one
mile. All the Three Perumals are in sitting posture and all the Three Uthsavars
are named as “Sriman Narayanan” only.
The above 3 Temples are
·
Neelamegha
Perumal Koil.
·
Thanjai
Manikundra Perumal Koil.
·
Thanjai
Yazhinagar Koil.
Temples
This is
one of the 108 Divya Desas of Perumal. This shrine is in 3rd place. The Lord of
the temple is praised by Saints Boothazhwar and Tirumangai Azhwar in their
Mangalasasanam hymns. The Lord in this temple appears in sitting posture as
Veera Singapperumal and Narasimhar.
Sri Yoga Narasimha is in the front
Mandapam. Also Sri Lakshmi Narasimha is in the prakara of Neelamegha Perumal
temple, Abhaya Varadha Narasimhar on the Garudazhwar Vimana and Kambathadi Yoga
Narasimha on the pillar of Thayar shrine. Thus there are Five Narasimha Lords
in the temple.
Lord
Mahavishnu himself is in the discus as Chakarathzhwar in Veera Narasimhar
temple. The idol is beautifully sculptured showing Lord placing his hand
on an elephant. There is also an idol nearby worshipping Lord.
The
portrayal is described as Thanjakasura (the elephant) and the little idol as
the demon figure worshipping the Lord after correcting himself of his bad
traits. Thus, it is taught that pardon is available to the wicked correcting
themselves. Behind is Lord Yoga Narasimha in sitting posture with Hiranyakasipu
and Prahalada. Darshan of Chakarathzhwar is considered very important.
Mother
Mahalakshmi on the left of Lord of Narasimha is on his right in the shrine at Neelamegha
Perumal temple prakara in sitting form. This Narasimha is also called Valavandhai
(right side) Narasimha. Lord Narasimha was in high fury after killing Hiranya.
As
Mahalakshmi would be absent in places dominated by anger, she has chosen the
right side, it is said. It is advised that those of short tempered nature
should correct themselves by worshipping Mother Mahalakshmi.
Instead
of abishekam only Thailakappu is done for the three presiding deities. As
procession deity, Neelamegha Perumal is holding the Sengol-the royal stick of
authority. Procession Mother is wearing a crown of Fire but in soft and smiling
look. Sage Parasara is in the sanctum in worshipping posture. Lord Hayagriva
the authority of Wisdom is facing north with Mother Mahalakshmi the Goddess of
Wealth. This temple is one of the 88 temples which come under Thanjavur Palace
Management Committee.
Melasinga
Perumal, Neelamegha Perumal and Manikundra Perumal were called as Maamani
Temples. This temple is called by many names like Parasara Shetram,
Vambulancholai, Azhahapuri, Garudapuri, Sameevanam, and Thanjaiyali Nagar. Devotees
worship Lord and Mother offering cardamom garlands, light ghee lamps with sugar
candy as naivedhana to gain academic excellence.
Neelamegha Perumal Temple:
The
temple has small east facing shrine with the Lord and consort in the same
sanctum. All of the Thirumangai
Alvar pasurams (poems) of Thanjai refer to this
shrine. Neelamegha Perumal is in sitting posture facing east. Sengamalavalli
Thayar and Neelamegha Perumal both gave Prathyaksham to Parasaramuni. Inside
the main Sannadhi of Thanjai Maamani Koil Moolavar (Garbagraham), we can find
dancing idol of Lord Krishna, Venkatesa perumal in his marriage dress along
with his two wives and Lord Varadharaja perumal.
Outside
the Moolavar Sannathi, we can have Dharsan of Lakshmi Narasimmar containing Godess
Lakshmi Devi in his right lap, Andal Naachiyar and Vishwaksenar. Thaayar Sengamalavalli
Nachiyar has a separate Sannadhi.
Outside
the Thaayar Sannadhi, there is one pillar in which one side Yoga Narasimmar is portrayed
whereas on the other side Lord Aancheneyar (Hanuman) is found. It is said that
if we come around and pray the Narasima and Aancheneyar continuously for 108
times, all our wishes would be granted immediately.
Towards
the right side of the Thaayar Sannadhi there is Vedanta desigan Sannathi which
is said to be set up his own son Nayinaaraachariyar.
Perumal
(Lord): Neelamegha Perumal – Sitting Posture – Facing
East.
Thayar (Lakshmi): Sengamalavalli.
Utsavar: Utsavar Sriman
Narayanan.
Pushkarani: Amrutha
Theertham, Kannika Pushkarani, Vennaru.
Vimanam: Soundarya
Vimanam.
Prathyaksham: Parasara Muni.
Manikundram Perumal Temple:
The
temple has small east facing shrine with the Lord and consort in the same
sanctum. All of the Nammalvar pasurams (poems) of Thanjai refer to this shrine.
Manikundra
Perumal is in sitting posture facing east. Ambujavalli Thayar, Prathyaksham to Markandeyar.
Here perumal stands as a hill of with a grace on glare of pearls and stones in
Manikundra perumal Koil its Vimaanam has the Manikooda Vimaanam.
·
Perumal
(Lord): Manikundra Perumal – Sitting Posture – Facing
East
·
Thayar (Lakshmi): Ambujavalli.
·
Pushkarani: Srirama
Theertham.
·
Vimanam: Manikkooda
Vimanam.
·
Prathyaksham: Markandeya.
Thanjaiyali Nagar:
Lord Narasimha
is in sitting posture facing East with Thayar Thanjai Nayagi. Both were Prathyaksham
to Markandeyar. The temple has small east facing shrine with the Lord and
consort in the same sanctum. All of the Bhoothathalvar pasurams (poems) of Thanjai refer to this shrine.
The
temple is facing east with separate Sannadhi for Thanjai Nayagi Thayar, Andal
and Thirumangai Alwar. Moolavar with Sridevi and Bhoodevi and Garudalwar Sannadhi
is in the front mandapam. In the mandapam, Sannadhi for Sri Ranganathar, Varadarajar,
Viswaksenar, Periya Nambikal, Alavandar, Ramanujar and Manavala Maamunigal are
located.
At the
entrance of the temple, Dhwajasthambham and Balipeedam are located. The history
of the temple is Sri Veera Narasimhar took the form of Yazhi to kill demon Thanjagan,
who took the form of elephant. Hence this place was called as Thanjai Yazhi
Nagar or Thanjamapuri and latter it became Thanjavur. Marathi inscriptions are available
on the pillar, which tells us the significant contributions done to this temple
by King Sarabhoji.
·
Perumal
(Lord): Narasimha – Sitting Posture – Facing East.
·
Thayar: Thanjai Nayagi.
·
Pushkarani: Surya Pushkarani,
Srirama Theertham.
·
Vimanam: Vedasundara
Vimanam
·
Prathyaksham: Markandeya
·
Utsavar: Sriman Narayana
in all the three temples.
In all
the three temples, Utsavar is Sriman Narayanan. These three temples are
together considered as one Divyadesam. These temples are separated by 200
meters from each other. The Lord presented himself in the form of Narasimha to
Dhatchagan (Thanjagan in Tamizh). Hence the name Thanjai came into being. The
Lord in Thanjai Maamani Kovil faces Thanjavur and called Thanjai Kattharulum
Deivam (God who protects Thanjavur).
At this
place, Sri Nayinachariar (Son of Swami Desikan) established that Desika
Prabandham is to be recited in all Divyadesams during Anathanyana period
(Periods when Divya Prabandham is not recited).
Mangalasasanam:
Three Azhvaars
namely Thirumangai Azhvar, Boothaththaazhvar and Nammazhwar have done Mangalasasanam
for this Divya Desam. Thirumangai azhvar sang three verses in his Peria Tirumozhi;
Boothaththaazhvar sang one verse in his Irandaam Thiruvandhathi and Nammazhwar
sang one verse in his Thiruvaimozhi.
·
Thirumangaialwar
– 3 Paasurams
·
Nammalvar
– 1 Paasuram
·
Boodathalwar
– 1 Paasuram
·
Total –
5 Paasurams
Pushkarani:
·
Amirtha
Theertham
·
Kannika
Pushkarani
·
Rama
Theertham
·
Surya
Pushkarani
·
Vennaru
Sacred Tree:
·
Magizham
Tree
Temple Opening
Time
Veera
Narasimha Perumal temple is open from 7.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m and from 5.00 p.m.
to 8.30 p.m. To visit the other two temples, the devotee has to take the priest
with him/her
Festivals
Brahmotsavam
is celebrated for three Perumals successively in the months of Panguni
(March-April), Chithirai (April-May) and Vaikasi (May-June). 18 Garuda
Seva in Vaikasi-May-June is the great festival of the temple.
Prayers
Devotees
pray to Lord Veera Narasimha during Pradosha time-4.30 p.m. to 6.00 p.m. to
realize their wishes. Devotees offer sweet pudding-Sarkarai Pongal- nivedhana
to Neelameghar and Manikundra Perumal and sweet drink – Panagam to Lord
Narasimha. They also offer vastras.
Contact
Sri Neelamegha
Perumal Temple
Palli
Agraharam, Thanjavur (District)
Tamilnadu,
India.
Phone: +91 – 4362 – 223
384
Mobile: +91 – 8940212119
/ 9952114758
Connectivity
Singapperumal
koil is 3 km from Thanjavur old bus stand on the Kumbakonam route. The three
temples are nearby to one another. These temples are situated at
Vennatrankarai (Vennar Bank) about 5kms North of Thanjavur, on the
Thanjavur-Thiruvayaru/Kumbakonam Road. This place is situated in green and
fertile landscape in the banks of Vennar River.
Nearest Railway Station is located at Thanjavur & Nearest Airport is located at Trichy.
Nearest Railway Station is located at Thanjavur & Nearest Airport is located at Trichy.