SRINEELAMEGA PERUMAL TEMPLE, THANJAVUR, TAMILNADU-COMPILED
Dear friends. Sri Neelamega Perumal Temple, a divyadesam on the banks ofVennaru is situated in Thanjavur District, Tamilnadu, which is a collection of threetemples of Lord Paranthaman. Sreeman Narayanan is blessing the devotees in three different temples SriNeelamaga Perumal, Temple, Thiru Manikundram and Thiru Thanjai Yali Temple. All these three Temples are being worshipped as OneDivyadesam. Among the 108 Divyadesam, this is the one and onlyDivyadesam where three temples are worshipped as one divyadesam. Today my posting is about this temple. I have compiled the information about these three temples in the mostsimplest form possible by me from mixed information from different websites. Hope a divine reading Gopalakrishnan 22-08-2025 About the threetemples The first of the threetemples, the Maamanikkoyil enshrinesNeelamegapperumaal in a sitting position facing east, and his consort isSenkamalavalli. Sage Parasararis said to have worshipped here. Furthermore here are shrines to LakshmiNarasimhar and Lakshmi Hayagrivar. There’s also an interesting image of NartanaKrishna in this temple. TheVedas say that Lord Narayana would take any form at any time to protect hisdevotees. And the above case proves it. As the meaning of Vedas isexplained here, the Vimaanam of this place is Veda Sundara vimaanam. The second temple is known as Manikkunram. Manikkunrapperumaal is enshrinedhere in a seated position, facing east as on a hill. His consort is Ambujavalli. The theertham hereis the Rama theertham and also the vimanam Manikkoota Vimanam. Markandeya is believed of havingworshipped here. The third isThanjaiyali nagar,enshrining a seated picture of Narasimhar whose consort is Thanjai Nayaki. Thetheertham here is Surya Pushkarini, and also the vimanam Vedasundara Vimanam. Markandeyar is believed to haveworshipped here. The Utsavar within these temples is known asNarayanan. Legend In Kritha Yuga, three Demons named Thanjagan, Thandagan andGajamugan had put together underwent a sincere penance towards Lord Shiva.Pleased at the devotion, Lord Shiva gave them his Prathyaksham was asked forthe boon what they were looking for. Asuras had asked him for a boon of immortality. Lord Shiva advised themthat Sreeman Narayanan is the one and only preserver and heonly would be in a position to offer this boon for them and assured them that there wouldnot be any problem to them. After getting the great boon from Lord Shiva, the Asurasstarted troubling the entire universe and they also started harrassing theentire Devas and Rishis.During that time there was a severe drought and faminein the whole universe. But surprisingly there was one and only place withenough food and water and that was Sage Parasar’s abode. As Siva could had given them the boon, he could not help andso he deputed the task to Mahakali. However, every time the asuras were killed,they drank the water from the nearby Manimuthar river, and came back to life.With no option left, Parasara called out to Vishnu for help. Finally Lord Paranthaman sent his Chakra and destroyed allthe Demons, who were troubling everyone . Only these 3 Asuras were left. Lord Sreeman Narayan appearedbefore Thanjagan to behead him. At lastThanjagan realized all his mistakes and begged Lord to Pardon him. Pleased Lord Vishnuforgave all his blunders. Hence the place is known as Thanjagan oor and known asThanjavur and Tanjore. Second Demon Gajamugan took the form of Elephant and fought.Lord Vishnu then took the form of Lord Narsimham (Half Man and Half Lion) andkilled the Demon. RegrettedGajamugan asked to pardon him. From that time the place where Gajamuganwas killed is worshipped as ThanjaiYali Koil. (Yali means Elephant). The frightened third Demon Thandagan went down to patala Lokamto escape. Lord took the form of Varaham (The Pig ) plunged into Patala Lokam and destroyed the Demon. The place whereThandagan killed has been known as Thandagaranyam. Lord Vishnuappeared as Bhuvaraha Murthi after beheaded Demon Thandagan is being worshippedas Sreemushnam. At last the Lord gave salvations to all three Demons. After the threeasuras were decimated, Vishnu appeared to Parasara as Neelamega Perumal. Tanjore is the capital of the Chola Kingdom. ParasaraMaharishi’s and all the other rishis wanted to get dharsan of Lord Narayanadown in this earth and hence the Lord sat on the bank of the river vinnaaru nowvennaaru which is a pious river flowing with Amudhan (the drink bringingeternity) in the Vishnuloga. This is the legend behind the formation of the Tanjore Maamani Kovils. It’s also said thatthe Viraja River flowing in the Vishnu Lokam has changed as Vennaaru here. History Over the centuries,the temple has been patronized by various dynasties, including the Cholas,Pandyas, and Nayaks, who contributed to its maintenance and expansion. Today,it remains an important pilgrimage site, attracting devotees and touristsalike. Architecture Architectural elements reflecting the Dravidian style. Deities This Divya Desam is acollection of 3 templeseach within a distance of about one mile. All the Three Perumals are in sittingposture and all the Three Utsavars are named as "Sriman Narayanan"only. The above 3 Temples are 1)Thanjai Maamani Koil. 2) Thanjai Manikundra Perumal Koil. 3) Thanjai Yazhinagar Koil. We may go one by one about the three temples Thanjai Mamani kovil The presiding deity, Neelamega Perumal, is enshrined in astanding posture, with Goddess Thayar (Lakshmi) worshipped as Soundaravalli.The temple features Dravidian-style architecture with intricate sculptures anda towering raja gopuram (entrance tower). Moolavar: The Moolavar is giving his seva in Sitting positionfacing his thirumugham towards east direction. Prathyaksham for ParasaraMaharishi. After the destruction of the three demons, Lord appeared before SageParasara as Neelamega Perumal. Thayaar: The Thayaar found in this sthalam is Senkamalavalli. Utsavar:The Utsavar of this sthalam is Sriman Narayanan. Mangalasasanam: Thirumangaialwar - 3 Paasurams Nammalwar - 1 Paasuram Bhoodathalwar - 1 Paasuram. Total - 5 Paasurams. Pushkarani: Amirtha Theertham.Kannika Pushkarani.Vennaru. Vimanam: Soundarya Vimaanam. Devotees visit thistemple Devotees visit this temple seeking blessings for prosperityand well-being, especially during Vaikunta Ekadashi and other Vishnu-relatedfestivals. The temple holds historical and spiritual significance in TamilNadu’s religious landscape. Temple Pooja DailySchedule Sri Neelamega Perumal Temple remains opened from 7 am to 12noon and from 5 pm to 8:30 pm How to reach This Sri Neelamega Perumal Temple is about 2 1/2 miles awayfrom the Tanjore railway station. Bus facilities are provided and stayingfacilities are furnished. Kumbakonam (39 km) Ariyalur (45 km) Tiruchirappalli (62 km) Vriksham: Magizhamaram Teertham: KannikaPushkarini. Agamam: Vaikhanasa Age (years): 1000-2000 Administration These temples areadministered by the Tanjavur palace. Temple is mentioned in This temple finds mention in the Brahmanda Puranam. Veera Narasimha temple Lord is gracing with Thanjai nayagi Thayar withVeeranarashimar Temple.For all three deities, only thalaikappu is done insteadof abhishekam. Perumal (Narasimhar) is in amarndha kolam. It is regardedthat Lord Vishnu himself is established in the discus held by Chakrathazhvar,whose darshan is considered important here. The Lord of the temple is praised by Saints Boothazhwar and Tirumangai Azhwar in theirMangalasasanam hymns. Lord Mahavishnu Himself isin the discus as Chakarathazhwar in Veera Narasimhar temple. The idol is beautifully sculpturedshowing Lord placing His hand on anelephant. There is also an idol nearby worshippingLord. Behind is Lord Yoga Narasimha in sitting posture withHiranyakasibu and Prahladha. Darshan of Chakarathazhwar is considered very important. There is also an idol nearby worshipping Lord. The portrayalis described as Thanjakasura (the elephant) and the little idol as the demonfigure 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 Hiranyakasibu andPrahladha. Darshan of Chakarathazhwar is considered very important. Temple Timings : Veera Narasimha Perumal temple is open from 7.00 a.m to 11.00a.m and from 5.00 p.m to 8.00 p.m. To visit the other two temples, the devotees need to take the priest withthem. This Narasimha is also called Valavandhai (right side)Narasimha. Lord Narasimha was in high fury after killing Hiranya. AsMahalaskhmi would be absent in places dominated by anger, She has chosen theright side, it is said. It is advised that those of short-tempered nature shouldcorrect themselves if they wish to have the grace of Mother Mahalakshmi. It is said that if we comearound and pray the Narasima and Aanchaneya continuously for 108 times, all ourwishes would be granted immediately Mani kundra Perumal kovil As the Perumal stands as a hill of with a graceon glare of pearls and stones in Manikundra Perumal Koil its vimaanam has theManikooda vimaanam. Common about alltemples Temple Festivals : Brahmmotsavam is celebrated for three Perumals successivelyin the months of Panguni (March-April), Chithirai (April-May) and Vaikasi(May-June). Temple Address : Neelamega Perumal Temple (Thanjai Mamani Kovil),Thanjavur-613 003. Phone number 04362-223384 Temple Instructions Traditional attire is preferred. Photography and videographyinside the temple premises are usually restricted. Avoid carrying leather items(belts, wallets, bags). Do not touch the deity or sacred items unlesspermitted. Maintain silence and respect the spiritual atmosphere. Special Days andSpecial Happenings Vaikunta Ekadashi (December - January). Brahmotsavam (March - April / Tamil month of Panguni). SriRama Navami (March - April). Krishna Janmashtami (August - September).Purattasi Saturdays (September - October). Offerings They present flowers, especially Tulsi (holy basil) andlotus, which are considered sacred to Lord Vishnu. Many also bring fruits,coconuts, and sweets like prasadams to be blessed and distributed. Prasadham The temple is known for its special puliyodarai (tamarindrice), sakkarai pongal (sweet rice), and curd rice, which are prepared withgreat devotion and distributed to visitors. Benefits of Visiting Devotees seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu, who is worshippedhere as Neelamega Perumal, for peace, prosperity, and well-being. This temple is one of the Divya Desams, the 108 sacredtemples glorified in the hymns of the Alwars (Vaishnavite saints). Thepresiding deity, Neelamega Perumal, is depicted in a standing posture, and thetemple is associated with the legend of sage Markandeya, who attained divineblessings here. Note for Travelers Travelers can reach Thanjavur by train, as it iswell-connected to major cities like Chennai, Trichy, and Madurai. The nearestairport is Tiruchirappalli International Airport, approximately 60 km away,from where taxis and buses are available. For those traveling by road, stateand private buses operate frequently from nearby towns and cities. Uponreaching Thanjavur, local transport such as auto-rickshaws and cabs can be usedto reach the temple conveniently. Opening Hours 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM & 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM Agamam / Pooja : Vaikanasam Age : 1000-2000 years old Administration This temple is one of the 88 temples which come underThanjavur Palace Management Committee. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Thatha_Patty" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/thatha_patty/2105940723.98516.1755842939325%40mail.yahoo.com.
