Thanjai Mamani Koil

Thanjai Mamani Koil is a set of three adjacent Hindu temples dedicated to Vishnu located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the Divya Desams, the 108 temples of Vishnu revered by the 12 poet saints called the Alvars. Unlike other Divya Desams where a single shrine is referenced, this set of temples is referred together in all the pasurams (sacred hymns).

The temples are believed to be of significant antiquity with contributions at different times from Medieval Cholas, the Vijayanagara Empire, and Madurai Nayaks. The temples are enshrined within granite walls and the three complex contains all the shrines of the temple.

Vishnu is regarded by adherents to have assumed the form of Varaha the boar to kill three demons named Tanchakan, Tantakan, and Kacamukan. The temples have three daily rituals at various times from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., and twelve yearly festivals on its calendar. The Brhamotsavam festival is the most prominent festival of the temples, celebrated during the three continuous months of Tamil month of Panguni, Chittirai and Vaikasi. The 18 Garuda seva during Vaikasi is another prominent festival in the region. The temples are maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu along with Thanjavur Palace Devasthanam.

Legend

The temple finds its sacred origin in a legend from the Brahmanda Purana. During the Treta Yuga, there were three demons by name Tanchakan, Tantakan, and Kacamukan who were blessed by Shiva, became very powerful. They grew arrogant and troubled sage Parashara who was doing penance at this place. Vishnu killed Thanjakan with his discus, called the Sudarshana Chakra. Tancakan pleaded with Vishnu to relieve him off the curse, and Vishnu named the place after his name, and hence it came to be named as Thanjavur. Kachamukan was killed by Vishnu taking the form of a Yali, a mythical creature. Vishnu took the form of Varaha the boar to kill the third demon Tantakan, who fled to Srimushnam.