Sri Neelamega Perumal (Thanjai Mamani Koil) – Thanjavur

Diety: Neelamegha Perumal, Amman: Sengamalavalli
Temple Address: Sri Neelamega Perumal (Thanjai Mamani Koil),   Sathya Krishna Nagar, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu 613002
Open between: 06:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 04:00 AM to 08:30 AM

Introduction

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 SingaPerumal and Narashimar. Sri Yoga Narasimha is in the front Mandap. Also Sri Lakshmi Narasimha is in the prakara of Neelmega Perumal temple, Abhayavaradha 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 Chakarathazhwar 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 Hiranyakasibu and Prahladha. Darshan of Chakarathazhwar is considered very important. Mother Mahalakshmi on the left of Lord of Narasimha is on His right in the shrine at Neelamega 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 Mahalaskhmi 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. Lord Vishnu who destroyed the demons graces in three separate temples as Neelamegar, Manikundra Perumal and Veera Narasimha in three forms. Saints Boodhathazhwar and Tirumangai Azhwar had sung the glory of the three Perumals together in their hymns. The three temples form a single Divya Desa. Lord Veera Narasimhar blesses the devotees along with Mothers Sridevi and Bhoodevi. Instead of abishek only Thailakappu is done for the three presiding deities. As procession deity, Neelamega 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, Neelamega Perumal and Manikundra Perumal were called as Mamani Temples. This temple is called by many names like Parasara Chetram, Vambulancholai, Azhahapuri, Garudapuri, Sameevanam, Thanjaiyali Nagar. Thala Virutcham : Magizham Theertham : Amirtha Theertham Agamam / Pooja : Vaikanasam

Puranic Significance

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. Three demons Thanjakan, Thandakan and Tharasura with their deathless boon granted by Lord Shiva began to harass the sage and others performing penance with him. The sage advised them to shed their demon traits and reform themselves. They turned a deaf year. The sage appealed to Lord Shiva for protection. Shiva sent Kalidevi to destroy them. But they drank the nectar mixed river water and came back alive to continue their atrocities. Sage approached Lord Vishnu. Mahavishnu came on garuda and took Narasimha form and defeated Thanjaka who was in the elephant form.He also begged the Lord to stay in the place and bless all. He also begged that the place should be named after him. His boon granted, the place came to be known as Thanjakanur and later called as Thanjavur. This place is also called as Thanjaiyazhi. Seeing the defeat of Thanjaka, Thandakan hid himself under the earth. Lord became a Varaha, entered the hiding and killed the demon. Tharaka was killed by Kali. After the destruction of the three demons, Lord appeared before Sage Parasara as Neelamega Perumal. Lord is gracing this place in three names in three separate temples called as Sengamalavalli Thayar with Neelamega Perumal Temple, Ambujavalli Thayar with Manikundra Perumal Temple and Thanjai nayagi Thayar with Veeranarashimar Temple.

Beliefs

Devotees pray to Lord Veera Narasimha during Pradosha time4.30 p.m. to 6.00 p.m. to realize their wishes Devotees offer sweet pudding-sarkarai pongal- nivedhana to Neelamegar and Manikundra Perumal and sweet drink – Panakam to Lord Narasimha. They also offer vastras

Special Features

Presiding Lord appears in a sitting posture. The Lord is Veera Narasimhar in Singaperumal Koil. Sri Yoga Narasimha is in the front Mandap. Also Sri Lakshmi Narasimha is in the prakara of Neelmega Perumal temple, Abhayavaradha Narasimhar on the Garudazhwar Vimana and Kambathadi Yoga Narasimha on the pillar of Thayar shrine. Thus there are Five Narasimha Lords in the temple

Festivals

Brahmmotsavam is celebrated for three Perumals successively in the months of Panguni (March-April), Chithirai (April-May) and Vaikasi (May-June).

Century/Period/Age

1000-2000 years old

Saints and Singers

Thirumangaiyalvar (3), Poothathalvar and Nammazhvar have performed Mangalasasana with 5 verses each.

Managed By

Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE)

Best Time

கோயில் திறந்திருக்கும் நேரம் : 07.00 TO 11.30; 17.00 TO 20.00

Accommodation

Thanjur

Nearest Bus Station

Thanjai Mamani Koil

Nearest Railway Station

Thanjur

Nearest Airport

Trichy

Location on Map

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