the Ultimate Web on Indian Gods & Temples

 by Padmani,

Abodes of Vishnu

Legend here is the story of three asuras named Thanjakan, Dhandakan and Gajamugan created trouble to the people here along with his army. Rishi Paraasura worshipped Lord Vishnu to vanish their tears. Lord Vishnu first sent Garuda who killed all the asura army leaving the 3 asuras. Lord Vishnu appeared here as Neelamega Perumal and killed Thanjakan, who request Lord to name this place after him. Hence this place was called as Thanjakanur which over the period became Thanjavur. 2. Legend here is that Lord Vishnu appeared here as Bhoo Varaahar and killed Dhandakaasuran. Hence this place was called as Dhandakaaranya Kshethram. 3. Legend here is Lord Vishnu took the form of Narasimha and killed Gajamugaasuran here. Since Lord took the form of Yaali this place was called as Thanjai Yaali Nagar. 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. As the Utsavar, Sriman Narayanan is considered as to be the king of this whole universe; he has the Sengol (Baton) in his hand. 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.

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. 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. 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.