Sri Neelamega Perumal Temple

Sri Neelamega Perumal Temple, a divyadesam on the banks of Vennaru is situated in Thanjavur Dist, Tamilnadu, which is a collection of three temples of Lord Paranthaman. Sreeman Narayanan has been worshipping the devotees in three different temples Sri Neelamaga Perumal, Temple, Thiru Manikundram and Thiru Thanjai Yali Temple. All thest three Temples are being worshipped as One Divyadesam. Among the 108 Divyadesam, this is the one and only Divyadesam where three temples are worshipped as one divyadesam.

Architecture

The first of the three temples, the Maamanikkoyil enshrines Neelamegapperumaal in a sitting position facing east, and his consort is Senkamalavalli. Parasarar is said to have worshipped here. Furthermore here are shrines to Lakshmi Narasimhar and Lakshmi Hayagrivar. There’s also an interesting image of Nartana Krishnar here.

The second temple is known as Manikkunram. Manikkunrapperumaal is enshrined here in a seated position, facing east. His consort is Ambujavalli. The theertham here is the Rama theertham and also the vimanam Manikkoota Vimanam. Markandeya is believed of having worshipped here.

The third is Thanjaiyali nagar, enshrining a seated picture of Narasimhar whose consort is Thanjai Nayaki. The theertham here is Surya Pushkarini, and also the vimanam Vedasundara Vimanam. Markandeyar is believed to have worshipped here. The Utsavar within these temples is known as Narayanan.

Sri Neelamega Perumal Temple go back to the time period of the Nayakas of Madurai. The Veda Sundara Vimanam over the Veerasinga Perumaal shrine is of great allure. These temples are administered by the Tanjavur palace.

Architecture

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 Vennaary 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.

Inside the main sannadhi of Thanjai Maamani Koil Moolavar (Garbagraham), there is a dancing idol of Lord Krishna, Venkatesa perumal in his marriage dress along with his two wives and Lord Varadharaja perumal. Outside the Moolavar Sannathi, Lakshmi Narasimar is there having godess Lakshmi devi in his right lap, Andal Naachiyar and Vishvakshenar.

Thaayar Senkamalavalli Nachiyar has a seperate sannadhi. Outside the Thaayar sannadhi, there is one pillar in which one side Yoga Narasimar is portraited whereas on the other side Lord Aanchaneya (Hanuman) isfound. It is said that if we come around and pray the Narasima and Aanchaneya continuosly for 108 times, all our wishes would be granted immediately. Towards the right side of the Thaayar sannadhi there is Vedhanta desigan saanthi which is said to be set up his own son Nayinaaraachariyar.

History and Significance

In Krutha Yuga, three Demons named Thanjagan, Thandagan and Gajamugan had put together underwent a sincere penance towards Lord Shiva. Pleased at the devotion, Lord Shiva gave them his Prathyaksham was asked for the boon what they were looking for. Asuras had asked him for a boon of immortality. Lord Shiva advised them that Sreeman Narayanan is the one and only preserver and he only would be in a position to offer this boon for them and assured them that there would not be to them.

After getting the great boon from Lord Shiva, the Asuras started troubling the entire universe and they also started harrassing the entire Devas and Rishis. During that time there was a severe drought and famine in the whole universe. But surprisingly there was one and only place with enough food and water and that was Sage Parasar’s abode. By knowing this Asuras went down to Sage Parasar’s place and assaulted him. The Sage calledLord Vishnu to help him out. Finally Lord Paranthaman sent his Chakra and destroyed all the Demons, who were troubling everyone . Only these 3 Asuras were left. Lord Sreeman Narayan appeared before Thanjagan and beheaded him. At last Thanjagan realized all his mistakes and begged Lord to Pardon him. Pleased Lord Vishnu forgave all his blunders. Hence the place is known as Thanjagan oor and known as Thanjavur and Tanjore.

Second Demon Gajamugan took the form of Elephant and fought. Lord Vishnu then took the form of Lord Narsimham (Half Man and Half Lion) and killed the Demon. Regretted Gajamugan asked to pardon him. From that time the place where Gajamugan was killed is worshipped as Thanjai Yali Koil. (Yali means Elephant). The frightened third Demon Thandagan went down to Bhadhaala Logam to escape. Lord took the form of Varaham (The Pig ) plunged into Bhadhaala Logam and destroyed the Demon. The place where Thandagan killed has been known as Thandagaranyam.  Lord Vishnu appeared as Bhuvaraha Murthi after beheaded Demon Thandagan is being worshipped as Sreemushnam.  At last the Lord  gave salvations to all three Demons.

Info on the deity – Specific to the temple deity

The Moolavar of this sthalam is Sri Neelamega Perumal. The Moolavar is giving his seva in Sitting position facing his thirumugham towards east direction. Prathyaksham for Parasara Maharishi. The Thayaar found in this sthalam is Senkamalavalli.

Temple Pooja Daily Schedule

Sri Neelamega Perumal Temple remains opened from 7 am to 12 noon and from 5 pm to 8:30 pm

How to reach

This Sri Neelamega Perumal Temple is in Tanjore district of Tamil Nadu. It’s in the banks of the River Vennaaru and its about 2 1/2 miles away from the Tanjore railway station. Bus facilities are provided and staying facilities are furnished.