Neelamega Perumal Temple (Thanjai Mamani Kovil)
Thanjavur
Main Deity : Neelamega Perumal, Veera Narashimar, Manikundrar.
Ambal : Sengamalavalli, Thanjai Nayaki, Ambujavalli.
Other Deities : Chakarathazhwar.
Theertham : Amitha Theertham, Kanniga Pushkarni, Vennaru, Shrirama Theertham, Surya Pushkarni.
Temple Tree : Magizham.
Prominence of the shrine : 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.
Temple History : 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.
People who worshipped here : Parasara.
Poets who sang its praise : Boothazhwar, Tirumangai Azhwar and Namazhwar.
Temple Timings : Veera Narasimha Perumal temple is open from 7.00 a.m to 11.00 a.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 with them.
Temple Festivals :
Brahmmotsavam is celebrated for three Perumals successively in the months of Panguni (March-April), Chithirai (April-May) and Vaikasi (May-June).
Nearest Town : Kumbakonam.
Temple Address : Neelamega Perumal Temple (Thanjai Mamani Kovil),
Thanjavur -613 003.
Hotels Near Neelamega Perumal Temple, Thanjavur :
1. Sangam Hotel, Thanjavur
Trichy Road, Thanjavur – 613007
Tel : 91-4362-239451
Fax: 91-4362-236695
2. Hotel Parisutham
55 G.A. Canal Road, Thanjavur 613 001, India
Tel : 04362 231 801.
3. Hotel Gnanam
Anna Salai ( Market Road)
Thanjavur 613 001.
Phone : 04362- 278501-507.
Fax : 04362 235536.
4. Hotel Balaji Inn
Baskara puram,
New Bus Stand,
Thanjavur-613 005.
Phone Number : 04362-226949/227949.
5. Star Residency
Hotel Temple Tower) 20/1 A S.M Road,
Next to Ramanathan hospital Bus Stop,
Tanjore - 613 007.
Tel : +91 - 4362- 276333 / 34 / 37.
Fax: +91 - 4362-276336.
Restaurant Near Neelamega Perumal Temple, Thanjavur :
1. Hotel Ramnath,
No 1335, Thanjavur Ho, Thanjavur -
613 001, South Rampart Old Bus Stand
Ph: +(91)-4362-272567, +(91)-9362610901.
2. Sri Lakshmi Narayana Bhavan,
No 133, Big Street, Thanjavur HO,
Thanjavur - 613 001, Pattukottai
Ph : +(91)-4362-252358.
3. Karthik Restaurant
No 1334, Thanjavur HO, Thanjavur - 613 001, South Rampart Inside Karthick Hotel
Ph:+(91)-4362-278662, 278663, 278322.
4. Hotel Coffee Palace AC
No 1465, Tanjore, Thanjavur - 613 001,
South Rampart,
Ph: +(91)-4362-231358.
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Rating 3.36 (463 Votes)
