Sri Neelamega Perumal (Thanjai Mamani Koil) - Thanjavur

Deity: 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

Location: Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu.
Deity: Lord Vishnu in the form of Veera Narasimha, along with various other forms of Lord Narasimha.
Significance: This is one of the 108 Divya Desams, praised by Saints Boothazhwar and Tirumangai Azhwar in their Mangalasasanam hymns.
Temple Features: The temple houses five distinct forms of Lord Narasimha, each with unique representations:
- Veera Narasimha (in sitting posture).
- Sri Yoga Narasimha (in the front Mandap).
- Sri Lakshmi Narasimha (in the prakara of Neelamega Perumal temple).
- Abhayavaradha Narasimha (on the Garudazhwar Vimana).
- Kambathadi Yoga Narasimha (on the pillar of Thayar shrine).
Special Symbolism: The temple’s depiction of Chakarathazhwar as Lord Vishnu’s discus, and a beautifully sculpted image of Lord Narasimha placing His hand on an elephant, representing Thanjakasura (the elephant demon).
Other Notable Deities:
- Mother Mahalakshmi (in the right side Narasimha shrine).
- Lord Hayagriva (facing north with Mother Mahalakshmi in the wisdom shrine).
- Sage Parasara (worshipping posture in the sanctum).

Puranic Significance:

The Legend of Sage Parasara:
- Sage Parasara, who lived by the Manimutha River, was disturbed by three deathless demons: Thanjakan, Thandakan, and Tharasura. Despite the sage’s efforts to reform them, the demons refused to listen and continued their misdeeds.
- Upon seeking help from Lord Shiva, Kalidevi was sent to destroy them, but the demons drank nectar mixed in the river water, making them immortal again.
- Finally, Sage Parasara turned to Lord Vishnu, who appeared in Narasimha form and defeated Thanjaka, who had taken the form of an elephant. Thanjaka begged the Lord to remain in the place, and thus the place was named Thanjakanur, which later became Thanjavur.
- After Thanjaka’s defeat, the other demons, Thandakan and Tharasura, were defeated by Varaha and Kali, respectively.
- Following the destruction of the demons, Lord Vishnu appeared as Neelamega Perumal and blessed Sage Parasara.

Beliefs:

Worship during Pradosha Time: Devotees pray to Lord Veera Narasimha during the auspicious Pradosha time (4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.) to fulfill their wishes.
Offerings:
- Sarkarai Pongal (sweet pudding) to Neelamegar and Manikundra Perumal.
- Panakam (sweet drink) to Lord Narasimha.
- Vastras (clothing) are also offered.

Special Features:

Five Forms of Narasimha: The temple is unique for housing five different forms of Lord Narasimha, each in a separate location within the temple.
Lord in Sitting Posture: The presiding deity, Veera Narasimha, is depicted in a sitting posture, which is a distinctive feature of the temple.
Symbol of Pardon: The idol of Thanjakasura (the elephant demon) symbolizes the idea of correction and pardon for those who reform their ways.

Festivals:

Brahmmotsavam: Celebrated for the three Perumals (Neelamega Perumal, Manikundra Perumal, and Veera Narasimha) successively in the months of Panguni (March-April), Chithirai (April-May), and Vaikasi (May-June).