This is a cluster of three temples, considered one Divya Kshetram, located 200 meters apart on the outskirts of Thanjavur.
Tirumangaiazhvar, Bhootattazhvar and Nammazhvar, have sung of this temple. Nammazhvar refers to Manikkundram, while Bhootattazhvar refers to Thanjai. Tirumangaiazhvar refers to Thanjai Maamanikkoyil, and Manikkundram.
The first of the three temples is the Maamanikkoyil. The presiding deity is Neelameghapperumal in a sitting posture, and his consort is Senkamalavalli. The Theertham is Kannikapushkarini and the Vimanam is Soundarya Vimanam. Parasarar is said to have worshipped here. Also here are shrines to Lakshmi Narasimhar and Lakshmi Hayagrivar. There is also a beautiful image of Nartana Krishna in this temple.
The second temple is Manikkundram. Manikkundrapperumal is enshrined here in a seated posture. His consort is Ambujavalli. The Theertham here is Srirama Theertham and the Vimanam Manikkoota Vimanam. Markandeya is believed to have worshipped here.
The third is Thanjayaalinagar, enshrining Narasimhar seated and the Thaayaar is Thanjai Nayaki. The Theertham here is Surya Pushkarini, and the Vimanam Vedasundara Vimanam. Markandeyar is believed to have worshipped here. The Utsavar in all of three temples is known as a Narayanan.
Legend has it that Vishnu took the Narasimha Avataram to vanquish a demon, in the form of an elephant, called Thanjakan. Upon his request, Vishnu took abode in this Sthalam, which came to be known as Thanjavur.
The Thanjavur palace administers these temples.
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