Thanjai Mamani Koil, Thanjavur - Timings, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

At a distance of 4 km from Thanjavur Junction Railway Station, Thanjai Mamani Koil is a Hindu temple complex located on the banks of river Vennaru in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. It is one of must visit temples as part of Thanjavur Leisure Tour.

Also known as Thirutanjai, or Thanjavur Perumal Temple, Thanjai Mamani Koil is a set of three adjacent temples dedicated to Vishnu. This site is recognized as one of the 108 Divya Desams, which are temples celebrated by the twelve poet saints known as the Alvars. Unlike other Divya Desams that feature a singular shrine, these temples are collectively mentioned in all the pasurams, or sacred hymns.

According to the Brahmanda Purana, during the Treta Yuga, Sage Parashara engaged in penance at this location but was disturbed by three demons: Thanjagan, Thandagan, and Gajamugan, who had received blessings from Lord Shiva, and were not easily defeated. The Sage requested Lord Vishnu for assistance. In response, Lord Vishnu appeared before Thanjagan and beheaded him with his Sudharshana Chakra. Ultimately, Thanjagan realized all his mistakes and sought forgiveness from the Almighty, who, pleased with his repentance, absolved him. Consequently, the area became known as Thanjagan Ooru, which later evolved into Thanjavur. The second demon, Gajamugan, transformed into an elephant to battle with Lord Vishnu, who then assumed the form of Lord Narasimha to vanquish him. The third demon, Thandagan, fled to Patala Loka to evade capture. Lord Vishnu, taking the form of Varaha (the Boar), descended into Patala Loka and killed Thandagan. After beheading the demon, the Almighty manifested as Bhuvaraha Murthi, who is worshipped as Sreemushnam.

It is believed that the construction of these temples was supported by various contributions over time from the Medieval Cholas, the Vijayanagara Empire, and the Madurai Nayaks. The temples are enclosed within granite walls. In all three temples, Lord Vishnu is depicted in his Narasimha avatar, which he adopted during the defeat of the demon Thanjagan. In the Veera Narasimhar temple, he is portrayed wielding his discus with an elephant seated on his lap, symbolizing the legend. In the Neelamega Perumal temple, he is depicted alongside his consort Mahalakshmi, adorned in wedding attire within the sanctum. Notably, in an external shrine, she is positioned on his right side, deviating from the customary left.

The Brhamotsavam festival is the most significant festivals celebrated among the temples, taking place over the three consecutive months of Panguni, Chittirai, and Vaikasi. Additionally, the Garuda seva held during Vaikasi is another notable festival in the area. The management and upkeep of the temples are overseen by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu, in conjunction with the Thanjavur Palace Devasthanam.

Timings: 7 AM - 12.30 PM & 5 PM - 7.30 PM

Entry: Free