Thanjai Manikundra Perumal Kovil is a revered Hindu temple located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is one of the Divya Desams, the 108 temples praised by the Alwars in the Tamil Vaishnavite canon. The temple is known for its unique depiction of Lord Vishnu in three postures—standing, sitting, and reclining—within the same sanctum. The temple’s historical and religious significance, along with its intricate Dravidian architecture, makes it a prominent pilgrimage site for devotees of Vishnu.
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- History/Legend of the Temple Thanjai Manikundra Perumal Kovil, also known as Thanjai Mamani Koil, is a revered Vishnu temple near Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu, India. As one of the 108 Divya Desams, the sacred temples praised by the Alvar saints in the Divya Prabandham, it holds immense religious significance. This temple is unique because it is part of a cluster of three Vishnu temples situated close to each other, dedicated to Lord Narayana in different postures—sitting (Manikundra Perumal), reclining (Veetrirundha Perumal), and standing (Nindra Narayana Perumal). Historically, the temple dates back to the Chola period, showcasing their patronage of Vaishnavite traditions, architecture, and temple construction. It is also mentioned in the hymns of Thirumangai Alvar, highlighting its religious prominence. According to mythology, Lord Vishnu blessed sages Markandeya and Parasara here and was worshipped by Lord Indra to absolve his sins. Architecturally, the temple follows the Dravidian style, featuring a beautifully sculpted Vimana (tower), intricate carvings, and a sanctum (garbhagriha) that enshrines the deity. As a Divya Desam, this temple is an important pilgrimage site, especially during Vaikunta Ekadasi, when thousands of devotees gather to seek divine blessings. Thanjai Manikundra Perumal Kovil stands as a testament to Tamil Nadu’s rich spiritual and architectural heritage, preserving centuries-old traditions and devotion.
- Name of the Deities Sri Manikundra Perumal (Lord Vishnu) & Sri Ambujavalli (Goddess Lakshmi).
- Nearby Cities and Distance Kumbakonam (36.2 km). Trichy (64.4 km). Mayiladuthurai (72.0 km).
- Mode of Transport(from the nearest city) Bus. Car. Train. Auto. Bike.
- Duration (from the nearest city) Kumbakonam 41 min.
- Estimated cost of the travel (from the nearest city) car,auto,bus... Bus - Rs.30 to Rs.80. Car - Rs.1000 to Rs.1500. Train - Rs.15 to Rs.100. Auto - Rs.300 to Rs.600.
- Temple Instructions Traditional attire is recommended. Follow the queue system for darshan and maintain silence inside the sanctum. Special pujas or archanas can be performed by offering tickets at the counter. Avoid touching idols and decorations inside the sanctum. Photography and videography are usually not allowed inside the sanctum.
- Special Days and Special Happenings Vaikunta Ekadasi. Purattasi Saturdays (September - October). Panguni Brahmotsavam (March - April). Krishna Jayanthi (Janmashtami - August/September).
- Rituals Available Weddings. Upanayanam (Sacred Thread Ceremony). Naming Ceremonies & Other Functions.
- Offerings Traditional offerings include fresh flowers, sacred tulsi leaves, fruits, coconut, and specially prepared prasad such as sweet Pongal.
- Prasadham Puliyodarai (tamarind rice), Sakkarai Pongal (Sweet Pongal), and Curd Rice as its primary prasadham to devotees.
- Benefits of Visiting Devotees believe that worshipping here brings salvation and relief from past sins.
- Is this temple a Paadal Petra Sthalam? No
- Who Sang | Song and its Meaning | Year No
- Other things to do / places of interest Royal palace museum (2.9 km). Thanjavur Palace & Art Gallery (2.9 km). Saraswathi Mahal Library (3.1 km). Thanjavur Maratha Palace (3.6 km). Sivaganga Park (4.5 km).
- Nearby Temples Thanjai Maamani Koil. Thanjai Yazhinagar Narasimha Temple. Brihadeeswarar Temple. Thiruvaiyaru Panchanadeeswarar Temple. Sri Rajagopalaswamy Temple
- Nearby Eateries Shaik Kitchen Multi Cuisine Restaurant. Sree Ariya Bhavan. Nandhis Homely Restaurant. Sathars Restaurant. Vasantha Bhavan.
- Hotels / Home stays: ABM Homestay. Lakshana Service Apartment. Tanjore Homestay. Barnabas Homestay. TPK Residency.
- Standard Weather Tropical climate with warm, humid conditions year-round. The winter months (December to February) are considered the best time to visit.
- For the best experience / Must know It is one of the Divya Desams, the 108 temples of Vishnu praised in the Tamil hymns of the Azhwars. The temple is associated with the legend of Lord Vishnu granting darshan to sage Markandeya and defeating the demon Thanjakan, after whom the city of Thanjavur is named.
- Not to miss This temple is unique as it consists of three separate shrines dedicated to Lord Vishnu in different forms: Neelamega Perumal, Manikundra Perumal, and Narasimha Perumal.
- Note for Travelers Travelers can reach the temple via multiple transport options. The nearest airport is Tiruchirapalli International Airport (approximately 60 km away), with taxis and buses available for further travel. Thanjavur Junction is the closest railway station, well-connected to major cities like Chennai, Madurai, and Trichy. For road travelers, Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) and private buses frequently operate to Thanjavur from various locations. Auto-rickshaws and cabs are convenient for reaching the temple from within the city. It is advisable to check local transport schedules and temple timings before planning your visit.
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FAQ's
Where is Thanjai Manikundra Perumal Kovil located?
Thanjai Manikundra Perumal Kovil is located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the Divya Desams, the 108 Vishnu temples glorified in the Tamil hymns of the Azhwar saints.
What is the significance of this temple?
This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, worshipped here as Neelamegha Perumal (Manikundra Perumal), and Goddess Lakshmi as Ambujavalli. It is believed that Lord Vishnu granted salvation (moksha) to a king named Thanjan, who prayed for redemption.
What is the history of the temple?
This temple is believed to be over 1000 years old and has references in Divya Prabandham, the sacred hymns of the Azhwar saints. The temple is associated with the story of Thanjan, a demon who attained moksha through Lord Vishnu's blessings.
How to reach the temple?
By Air: The nearest airport is Trichy International Airport (approx. 60 km). By Train: Thanjavur Railway Station is the closest major railway station. By Road: Well-connected by buses and taxis from major Tamil Nadu cities.
Is there an entry fee?
No, general darshan is free. However, special poojas and seva may have separate charges.
What are the main poojas conducted?
Daily poojas include Vishwaroopa Darshan, Ucchi Kala Pooja, Sayaraksha Pooja, and Arthajama Pooja. Special poojas are performed on Ekadashi and Vaikunta Ekadasi.
Are there any special Sevas or donations?
Devotees can offer Thulabharam, Archana, and Abhishekam as special sevas. Donations for temple maintenance and Annadanam (free food service) are also accepted.
Can I take photos inside the temple?
Photography inside the sanctum sanctorum is generally not allowed, but you can take pictures in the outer temple premises.
