| Description: This is a
actually a cluster of three temples, considered to be one Divya Desam, sung by
Tirumangaialwar, Bhootattalwar and Nammalwar. Nammalwar refers to Manikkunram, while
Bhootattalwar refers to Thanjai. Tirumangaialwar refers to Thanjai Maamanaikkoyil, and
Manikunram. These temples are located in the outskirts of Thanjavur (the ancient Chola
capital - known for its architectural masterpiece - The
Brihadeeswarar Temple) in a suburb by name Vennatrankarai. Legend
has it that Vishnu took the Narasimha Avataram to vanquish a demon elephant by name
Tanjakan; upon his request, Vishnu took abode here, in this stalam which came to be known
as Thanjavur.
The first of the three temples, the Maamanikkoyil enshrines
Neelamegapperumaal in a sitting posture facing east, and his consort is Senkamalavalli.
Parasarar is said to have worshipped here. Also here are shrines to Lakshmi Narasimhar and
Lakshmi Hayagrivar. There is also a beautiful image of Nartana Krishnar here.
The second temple is known as Manikkunram. Manikkunrapperumaal is
enshrined here in a seated posture, facing east. His consort is Ambujavalli. The theertham
here is the Rama theertham and the vimanam Manikkoota Vimanam. Markandeya is believed to
have worshipped here.
The third is Thanjaiyali nagar, enshrining a seated image of
Narasimhar whose consort is Thanjai Nayaki. The theertham here is Surya Pushkarini, and
the vimanam Vedasundara Vimanam. Markandeyar is believed to have worshipped here. The
Utsavar in all of these temples is known as Narayanan.
The temples date back to the period of the Nayakas of Madurai. The
Veda Sundara Vimanam above the Veerasinga Perumaal shrine is of great beauty. These
temples are administered by the Tanjavur palace. |
