Sri Neelamega Perumal Temple is situated in Vennathankarai village of Thanjavur district in Tamil Nadu,dedicated to Lord Vishnu and also one of the 108 Divya Desam Temples.
Shrine’s History
Sage Parasara sprayed the nectar he obtained from the milk ocean in the Manimutha River, built a hermitage on the river bank and was performing penance. Three demons Thanjakan, Thandakan and Tharasura with their deathless boon granted by Lord Shiva began to harass the sage and others performing penance with him. The sage advised them to shed their demon traits and reform themselves. They turned a deaf year. The sage appealed to Lord Shiva for protection. Shiva sent Kalidevi to destroy them. But they drank the nectar mixed river water and came back alive to continue their atrocities. Sage approached Lord Vishnu.
Mahavishnu took the Narasimha form and defeated Thanjaka who took the elephant form. Lord placed the demon on His lap to kill him when he gained wisdom and shed his cruel traits. He also begged the Lord to stay in the place and bless all. He also begged that the place should be named after him. His boon granted, the place came to be known as Thanjamapuri.
Seeing the defeat of Thanjaka, Thandakan hid himself under the earth. Lord became a Varaha, entered the hiding and killed the demon. Tharaka was killed by Kali. After the destruction of the three demons, Lord appeared before Sage Parasara as Neelamega Perumal. Lord is gracing this place in three names in three separate temples.
Shrine’s Map Location and How to Go There
By Road
Thanjavur is well-connected with Chennai, Coimbatore, Tiruchirapalli, Karaikal, Madurai, Tirunelveli, Kumbakonam, Pattukkottai, Bangalore, Ernakulam, Marthandam, Nagercoil, Tirupathi, Thiruvananthapuram, Ooty and Mysore through regular bus services.
By Rail
The nearest Railway station is Thanjavur railway station
By Air
The nearest international Airport is the Tiruchirapalli International Airport which is about 50 km from the city.
Shrine Timings
Morning From 7.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. Evening From 5.00 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. Pradosha time ? 4.30 p.m. to 6.00 p.m.
Events Celebrated at This Shrine
Brahmmotsavam March or April Chithirai April or May Vaikasi May or June
Extra Information About this Shrine
The other deities of this temple are Lord Krishna, Lord Ventakesha Perumal with His consorts, Lord Varadharaja Perumal, Lord Lakshmi Narasimhar, Goddess Lakshmi Devi, Goddess Andal Naachiyar, Lord Hanuman, and Lord Vishvakshenar.
Another legend says that Maharishi Parasara and all other Rishis wished to have the darshan of Lord Narayanan on the earth. And so, it is said that Lord Narayanan sat on the bank of river Vinnaaru, which flows with Amudham brings eternityin Vishnuloga.
As Lord Narayanan hold Sengol in His hand, signifies the King of the Universe. This is the one and only temple where three temples are worshipped as a one Divya Desam temple with a distance of one mile each.
The Vimanam the tower above the Sanctumof this temple is Soundarya Vimanam.
Nearby Temple
Andalakkum Aiyan Temple
Padikasu Nathar Temple
Gajendra Varadhan Temple
Hara Shaba Vimochana Perumal Temple
Appakudathan Temple
Adhivaraha Perumal Temple.
