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]