Sri Neelamega Perumal Temple , Thiru Thanjaimaamani Koil (Thanjavur)
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📍 Thiru Thanjaimaamani Koil, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu
National SignificanceThe 7th Divya Desam comprises a sacred triad of temples along the Vennaru river in Thanjavur where Lord Vishnu assumed three divine seated forms to vanquish the demons Thanjan, Dandakan, and Gajamukhan.
🕒 Practical Information
🕉️ Spiritual Details
Sri Neelamega Perumal (Iruntha Kolam)
Moolavar: Sri Neelamega Perumal (Iruntha Kolam / Seated facing East); Manikunta Perumal (Iruntha Kolam); Veera Narasimhar (Iruntha Kolam); Utsavar: Neelamegan; Thayar: Sengamalavalli (Thanjai Nayagi); Vimanam: Soundarya Vimanam; Theertham: Amrutha Theertham, Vennaru River; Pratyaksham: Sage Parasara, Markandeya.
🕉️ Divine Snapshot
Sri Neelamega Perumal (Iruntha Kolam)
Divya Desam Sri Neelamega Perumal Temple, Old Thiruvaiyaru Rd, Velur, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu 613003
Spiritual Highlights
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Visiting all three riverbank temples on the same day per traditional pilgrimage protocol.
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About Sri Neelamega Perumal Temple , Thiru Thanjaimaamani Koil (Thanjavur)
Sri Thanjaimaamani Koil in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, is the 7th Divya Desam, sung by Boothathalvar, Nammazhwar, and Thirumangai Alvar in 5 sacred hymns. Uniquely in Vaishnava tradition, this Divya Desam comprises a sacred triad of three closely spaced temples located along the banks of the sacred Vennaru river: 1. Sri Neelamega Perumal Temple, 2. Sri Manikundram (Manikunta Perumal) Temple, and 3. Sri Veera Narasimha Swamy (Thanjai Nayagi) Temple.
According to the sthala puranam, three powerful asuras named Thanjan, Dandakan, and Gajamukhan tormented Sage Parasara and other hermits residing here. Answering their distress prayers, the Lord manifested in three forms: as Neelamega Perumal (dark cloud-hued Vishnu), He subdued Thanjan; as Manikunta Perumal, He vanquished Dandakan; and as the roaring Veera Narasimha, He destroyed Gajamukhan. While dying, the demon Thanjan repented and begged the Lord that the town be named after him—giving rise to the name Thanjavur.
Visiting all three shrines along the Vennaru riverbank is considered necessary to fulfill the complete pilgrimage of this 7th Divya Desam. The presiding deities in all three temples are enshrined in majestic Iruntha Kolam (royal seated posture), bestowing courage, victory over enemies, and protection from all malevolent planetary afflictions.
Architecture & Heritage
Nayak and Medieval Chola Dravidian Architecture (Nayak dynasty structural rebuilding (16th–17th century CE) over early Chola foundations)
Soundarya Vimanam, pillared mandapams sculpted with Dashavatara figures, and proximity to the Vennaru River bank.
Bronze processional murtis of Neelamega Perumal and Veera Narasimha.
Rituals & Traditions
Four daily worship services per Pancharatra Agama; Narasimha Jayanti observances at the Thanjaiyali sanctum.
Annual Thanjavur Garuda Sevai in Chittirai, when processional icons from 24 Vishnu temples assemble along the Vennaru banks.
Tamarind rice, Kesari, Laddu, Thulasi theertham.
Visitor Guidelines
Traditional ethnic attire required: Dhoti or formal trousers with shirt for men; Saree or Salwar with Dupatta for women.
Spacious open courtyards with flat ground-level entrances; easily accessible for elderly pilgrims and wheelchairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
🕉️ Divine Snapshot
Sri Neelamega Perumal (Iruntha Kolam)
Sengamalavalli (Thanjai Nayagi) Thayar Sannidhi, Sri Manikunta Perumal Sannidhi (Manikundram Shrine), Sri Veera Narasimha Swamy Sannidhi (Third Shrine of Triad), Yoga Narasimha & Lakshmi Narasimha Shrines, Chakrathazhwar Sannidhi, Sri Ramanujar Sannidhi, Alvars Sannidhi
Divya Desam Sri Neelamega Perumal Temple, Old Thiruvaiyaru Rd, Velur, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu 613003
How to Reach
Tiruchirappalli International Airport (TRZ) (approx 60 km)
Thanjavur Junction (TJ) (approx 5 km)
Thanjavur Old Bus Stand (approx 4 km)