Thiru Thanjai
Thiru Thanjai refers to the three temples of Thanjai Mamani Koil, Manikundram and Thanjaiyali Nagar in Tanjore that together constitute one of the 108 vaishnava divya desas. Here, Mahavishnu resides directly facing Thanjavur and is thus, aptly known as Thanjai Kattharulum Deivam.[1]
Introduction
Tanjore is a fairly big town and also the headquarters of the Tanjore district. It is one of the oldest towns of South India and takes its name from the word Tanjan, a demon who was vanquished by Lord Vishnu. The word Tanjam in Tamil means 'refuge'. Hence, Tanjore also means a city of refuge.
Tracing its origin from pre-historic times this parashara kshetra seems to have been the cradle of vedic civilization and one of the most sacred places of Hindu pilgrimage. It is rich not only in history and culture, but also in legends. The place acquired its religious importance by being the place of Nayanacharya's penance. The kings' patronage made Tanjore both a Shaivite and a Vaishnavite kshetra at once. Located in the outskirts of Thanjavur at Vennattrankarai stands a memorable monument dedicated to Tanjan after whom the divya desha and the city have been named. The once majestic gopura now stands all alone in ruins.
The three temples Thanjai Mamani Koil, Manikundram and Thanjaiyali Nagar in Thanjore together form one Vaishnava Divya Desham. Prof S. Narayanan says, "Historically, the credit goes to the Maratha Bhosles for bringing the three scattered temples to close proximity. The once flourishing and majestic temples of Rajendra now silently speak of that glory that reigned around. The temples have simple structure comprising a domed chamber and a mandapa. Unlike other temples of the region, these temples cannot boast of beautiful sculptures or the artistic depictions. That does not diminish their glory in any way."[1]
Thanjai Mamani koil
The very first temple out of the Tanjore trio is Thanjai Mamani koil. Here, Lord Vishnu enshrined as Neelamega Perumal sits facing the east giving a special darshana to Parashara Muni. Hence, this kshetra is known as Parashara kshetra.
Temple at a glance
| Vishnu here is revered as | Neelamegha |
| Lakshmi here is revered as | Sengamalavalli |
| The Vimana is named | Soundarya Vimana |
| The Pushkarini is called | Kannika Pushkarini |
Structure
The Thanjai Mamani koil stands on a three-tiered gopuram as a perfect specimen of Dravidian temple architecture with a planned structure and an elevated flight of steps. Though made up of plainly dressed stones without any artistic embellishment, it gives an impression of its sturdy vigour and impressive grandeur. Set on an elevation, the temple has the customary Bali Peetha, Dvaja Sthamba and Garuda shrine (Sannidhi). It also has a well carved stone tablet of Hanuman. Several puranic accounts bring out the importance of this kshetra enclosed within four mighty walls. However, the temple in its present form has separate shrines for Thayar, Svami Vedanta Desikan and Sri Lakshmi Hayagreeva.[1]
Manikundram
Of the three temples that form Thiru Thanjai and are dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the second in line is Manikundram Perumal Koil. Due to its strategic location, it is also known as Nadu Koil. The Lord here, is sitting (Amarnda tirukolam) facing east having responded to the penance of Markandeya rshi. This temple is eulogized by the Always in five hymns.
Temple at a glance
| Vishnu here is referred to as | Manikundra |
| Lakshmi here is referred to as | Ambujavalli |
| Vimana is named | ManikkoodaVimana |
| Pushkarni is named | Sri Rama Pushkarni |
| Hymns by Alwars | Five |
| Location | 4 kms from Thanjavur |
The temple does not have a royal tower but is beautified by the arch at the entrance and the vimana above the sanctum (garbhagrha).[1]
Thanjaiyali Nagar
Known as Veera Narasimha kovil, the Lord Vishnu in Thanjayali Nagar is worshipped as Narasimha and Goddess Lakshmi is adored as Thanjai Nayaki (the guardian of Thanjavur).
Temple at a glance
| Vishnu here is worshipped as | Narasimha |
| Lakshmi is worshipped as | Thanjai Nayaki |
| Vimana is called | Vedasundara Vimana |
| Pushkarini is named | Pushkarini |
| Theertha is called | Sri Rama Theertha |
Structure
This temple though devoid of the pyramidal tower (gopuram) is endowed with the customary Bali pitha, Dvajasthambha and Garuda Sannidhi. In the temple complex, right at the entrance is a separate shrine for Thirumangai Alwar and to the left is the Sannidhi for Goddess Lakshmi (the embodiment of wealth and grace).
Legends
Having bathed in the waters of penance, Parasara muni surrendered meekly unto the Lord and built an ashram with his loving devotion. He was engrossed in divine knowledge together with humility, bhakti and love. He began to regard the Lord as his very own and would always be in the contemplation of the Lord day and night. Always yearning for the Lord, he composed sweet verses in praise of the Lord. He dedicated himself completely to the Lord's will longing for his vision. In course of time, the hermitage came to be known as Parasara Kshetra.
When the milky ocean was churned, Parasara muni was one of the rishis, who got for himself Amrutha from Vishnu as a reward for his devotion. The muni brought the Amrutha to the Parasara Kshetra and spilt it into the temple pushkarni. Thus the temple tank rightly earned the name Amruthavarthini. Thus the beings and disciples of Parasara muni prospered in the region of plenty. Then came a natural calamity, a terrible draught lasting for twelve long years. Because of its divine association the only place not affected was Parasara Kshetra.
As was feared by devas, the three demons having heard of this miracle came to Parasara kshetra and polluted the temple tank. They in turn regained their strength manifold. With their evil thoughts and habits they troubled the Muni and his disciples endlessly.
On the advice of Brahma the Muni beseeched the help of Lord Shiva. To quell the demons Lord Shiva sent Chandikadevi. On seeing the Devi, Dhandakan rained showers of arrows. But as she killed the demons the other demons would sprinkle water from the pushkarni and infuse new life into the dead bodies. So it was a fight without an end. At this juncture, Lord Vishnu appeared and distilled the Amrutha from the water tank.
The asura Tanjakan charged on Vishnu with all sorts of deadly weapons. The encounter between the two was terrible to behold. The thrust that he made was terrific to look at.
The fierce battle that followed between the two was appalling. Tanjakan was raining arrows. At one point, he with his demonic powers transformed as an elephant came rushing towards the Lord with the Sala tree in his trunk. Displaying exemplary courage and character and standing tall amongst the ruins, the Lord unfazed by the demon, turned back the tide leaving the demon tottering. The Lord brought the curtains down in style with substance and with touches of divine. Dressed in battle fatigues, finally with his Sankalpa the Lord transformed as Narasimha, pressed the demon on his lap. At this juncture the demon surrendered to the Lord seeking refuge with a profound desire that the Lord should reside at Thanjai in the very same Narasimha avatar. He also wanted the place to be glorified as Thanjavur in his memory. Lord, merciful as ever, promised to fulfil his death wish and assured him that he shall always be at Thanjai. The Lord closed all the escape routes and the other demon, Dhandakan was killed by the Lord in a Varaha form after a hot chase. The Lord alone stood victoriously among the ruins. Chandika Devi succeeded in slaving Tharakan and the Lord conferred on her the title EkaVeera. Parasara prayed to the Lord to continue to star at Thanjai. Lord immediately obliged his saintly devotee and enshrined at Thanjai as Neelamegha PerumaL•