Srinivasa Perumal, Uppiliappan Koil

Travelogue on visits made to Divyadesams in & around Trichy

Despite the fact that I, accompanied by my wife Mythili, have visited Uppiliappan Koil at Thirunageshwaram many a times in the past nut never made a travelogue on such visits.  The one that we have made recently on 30^th November 2010 is remarkable one and which made me to write this note.

My brother in law Parthasarathy has completed his 60^th birthday on 30^th November 2010 and normally the children would celebrate this occasion as Sashtiapthapoorthy, marking the completion of 60 Years of their father.  But Parthan has decided not to celebrate this for the reasons that both his sons Sriram and Hari are living abroad and they cannot make it convenient to celebrate and participate in the function.  So, Parthan and Bhanu –his wife decided to celebrate it next Year when their sons would be here on their vacation.   But I convinced them that religiously it should be celebrated on completion of 60^th Years and this cannot wait for the convenience of some one to participate and suggested to visit Uppiliappan Koil on that particular day and tie the mangalayam ( thali ) on Bhanu again.  This has been accepted and he planned for the visit on 30^th November. 

One another reason to remember this occasion has been the Thirumanjanam for the deity Srinivasa Perumal on that day performed by my another brother in law Neelamegam to fulfill his prayers to the Lord for success of the major surgery took place to rectify a dislocated nerve on the spinal chord.  I was able to fix this Thirumanjanam on the same day i.e., 30^th November. 

Gopalan (another Bin law of mine) with his wife Ramaa joined us in the trip.  We all left by train on 29^th night and reached Uppiliappan Koil on 30^th morning and stayed at Andavar Ashramam.   Through my acquaintance of Sri Govinda Bhatachariar and his son in law Sri Balakrishna Bhatachar- the thriumangalyam was placed on the feet of the deity Srinisa perumal and thAyAr Bhooma Devi for their blessings.   Then Parthan tied the know on Bhanu in the presence of his brothers Neelamegam and Gopalan and Sister Mythili and their spouses who blessed the couple for long and peaceful life.  The Thirumanjanam took place around 11 AM and derived the pleasure to worshipping the deities in closed quarters for more than an hour.  It was a splendid experience and all of enjoyed the rituals so meticulously performed by the Bhatachariar.

For those who have never visited this shrine which is considered much older than the Thirumalai Hills, I am giving the Sthala puraanam of Uppiliappan Koil.

THIRU UPPILIAPPAN KOIL

About the Temple:

The temple lies at Thirunageshwaram about 4 miles away from Kumbakonam  Ample bus facilities are provided from Kumbakonam.  Staying facilities are not furnished.

Sthala Puraanam:

Markandeya Maharishi is the son of Mrikantu Maharishi and he had the wonderful opportunity of having dharsan of both MahAvishNu and Lord Shiva in his life time.

Markandeya Maharishi did penance, praying MahAvishNu to grant him a boon for female child.  MahAvishNu advised MahAlakshmi to go to BoolOga to be the child of Markandeya Maharishi and he will come and marry her.  One day maharishi found a beautiful female infant child at his Thulasi gardens and adopted as his daughter.  The child was grown in his ashram and helping her adopted father in his daily rituals and poojas for MahAvishNu.  Rishi is not aware that the child is none else other than MahAlakshmi herself.  He bestowed on her, his great affection and love as his only daughter.

One day an aged and old Brahmin visited maharishi ashram where he was welcomed by maharishi and his adopted child.  He was given all the respects and regards as an old Brahmin .  Maharishi, then asked him whether the old man has any significant reason for visiting the ashram and it would be his pleasure and joy to given him anything that he would like to take from the ashram.  Then, the old man expressed his deep desire to get married to the maharishi’s only daughter.  Maharishi was totally surprised, agitated and angered over the request of the old man and explained to him that his daughter has not yet reached the marriageable age and she is still very young.  He cannot accept the request of this old Brahmin.

But the Brahmin was adamant and refused to accept his reasons and blackmailed him that if he did not have Bhoomi Devi as his wife he would die on the spot.

Maharishi pleaded him to leave his child and explained that his daughter is not yet matured mentally and physically for a marriage. She doesn’t even know to cook food with proper proportion of salt. But the old man persisted over his request/demand and assured the maharishi that she will accept whatever the food that has been prepared by the daughter, even without any salt in it.  He will accept the food prepared by her as Devammritham.  Left with no other alternative, maharishi advised his daughter to agree for the marriage.  But she refused and said that she will due if compelled for the marriage.

Now, Markandeya Maharishi was caught in fix. He pleaded MahAvishNu to get him out of the problem. Internally he knelt before the Lord and caught his feet and prayed hard to solve his problem. When Maharishi woke from Dhyanam (Prayer), instead of aged Brahmin he found Lord MahAvishNu clad in most beautiful clothing with one hand in his hip and the other seeking Bhoomi Devi’s hand for marriage.

Bhoomi Devi was very happy and was really to accept Lord MahAvishNu as her husband. Markandeya Maharishi too was very happy.

So on the day of Sravana Natchatram of the Tamil Month Aipasi Lord MahAvishNu married Bhoomi Devi. The grand occasion was graced by Lord Brahma and all the celestial persons (ie) devars.  Maharishi pleaded with GOD, to grant him, three boons:

1. O! Lord you should take dishes without salt in this place. But the dishes should taste wonderful to you and your devotees.

2. You should never leave my daughter alone; you have to stay with her forever.

3. This place should be named after me.

The boons were granted.  Even today,

The prasadams prepared in the madapalli (kitchen) doesn’t have any salt in it

Whenever Oppiliappan Perumal's idol is taken for procession, he is always accompanied by Bhoomi Devi only. The Perumal wont step out the Temple without Thaayar in order to keep his promise the place is called as Markandeya Kshetram.

He is called Oppiliappan (ie) Uppu - illatha - appan .

As from the heaven (ie) Vinnulagam Lord himself wished to stay on this place, this place is known as Vinnagar (place of heaven), also as a wish of Markandeya Maharishi this is also known as "Markandeya Kshetram". Thulasi Devi got her wish satisfied at this place and along with pleasant smelling flowers - Thulasi leaf has got an important role in its part (ie) the role of beautifying Lord MahAvishNu as a garland this place is also called as "Thulasivanam".

Lord Oppiliappan bowed in front of Markandeya Maharishi to seek his daughter for marriage and got her as "Kannikadhanam", (ie) getting a girl for marriage as deed of alms from the bride's father. As Lord himself got alms from his father in law, the following deeds are considered very scared at this place.

Each and every Thulasi leaf used to perform Pooja (Archani) to Lord Oppiliappan would fetch the total value of an Ashvametha Yagna (yagam).

Every step placed to reach this Kshetram would fetch lots of eternal values (Punniyam).

Devoting can contribute  to Oppiliappan even as small as a cow's shoe, would fetch definite eternity. (or) immortality.

Rendering chandhan, Kumkum and flowers would vanquish the sins like the murder of Brahmin etc.

By devoting Dhoopakal, Deepakal, vessells needed for pooja and Thirumanjanam (Bathing of Lord god), brass bell and silk clothing one could get themselves out from all sorts of sins.

Those who undertake/perform Utsavam to Lord Oppiliappan would definitely have the boon of birth of a child.

Just by chanting "Thulasivanam" all the effect sins fly away.

Oppiliappan in his Moolastanam (ie) Karbagraham (ie) Main Sannadhi takes the form of Ponappan, Muthappan and Vinnagarappan. Out side the Moolavar Sannadhi, to the Northern side, of Opposite to pushkarani one can have dharsan of Ennappan and to the south side of the Moolavar Sannathi inside the flower garden Manni appan has his Sannathi.

Glimpse of Moolavar Sannathi:
Oppiliappan stands up to 8 feet tall in the centre. Below him Bhoomi devi faces north in a kneeling posture while Markandeya Maharishi who has the boon of retaining his age as 16 forever is the position to perform Kannikadhanam (ie) ready to perform marriage to his daughter.

Left hand of Oppiliappan perumal contains the inscription "Maam Ekam Saranam Vrija" a made of diamonds which is a verse form Bhagavad-Gita instructing the whole mankind to devote their pure souls into his lotus feet to attain Salvation.

Once there was a Brahmin named Devasharma belonging to the clan of Bharadwaja Maharishi. One day it happened so, that he took forcefully the daughter of Gymini Maharishi as his wife. The rishi heard his daughter’s cries and at once he cursed Devasharma turn in Krunchu Paravai a type of bord. Then only shrama realised his mistake and he pleaded the Maharishi to leave him. As his anger soured, he told Devasharma to wait near pushkarani of Oppiliappan perumal temple and one day he would be freed from the curse.

It happened so one day during night time. A huge storm broke out and the branch in which Devasharma was sitting as a bird broke and tell pushkarani. As soon as the divine water splashed in the bird’s body, Devasharma was freed from his curse. Generally one has to take bath in the pushkarani only in the day time. Generally one has to take bath in the pushkarani only in the day time. But as unusually this pushkarani paved the way to freedom devashrama's curse during the night time, this pushkarani is named as "Ahorathra Pushkarani" which means literally "Unusual in night". .

Mangalasanam has been made made by Peyalwar in 2 Paasurams, Nammalwar in 11 Paasurams and Thirumangai Alwar in - 34 Paasurams  

We visited Kalyana puram, which is the native place for my wife and her brothers and worshipped the Srinivasa Perumal.   We reached Tanjore for the overnight stay.

Next day morning, we visited few temples in and around Trichy.  The details are as follows:

Thirupper Nagar - Sri Appakudathaan Perumal Temple, Koviladi

The temple is situated three miles away from Tiru Anbil - Kollidam and along the south shore of Kollidam. This sthalam is on the way to - Tiruvaiyaaru - Tirukkaattuppalli and Kallanai.  It is 25 kilometers from Tanjore.. Sthala Puranam: The Emperuman here in this sthalam says that he will not go out from the hearts of his devotees and as well as from this sthalam. ("Peyarthal means getting out"). So this sthalam is called as "Thirupper Nagar". Legend has it that Lord Vishnu blessed Markandeya rishi and Uparisaravasar at this shetram. According to the sthala purna, the Pandyan king Uparisaravasar while hunting a rogue elephant by mistake killed a Brahmin performing tapas on the banks of the river. Repenting for his act, the king renounced his throne and wandered around, finally reaching Tirupper Nagar. One day Lord Siva appeared before the king and asked him to worship Lord Vishnu at this shetram to get rid of the Brahmahati Dosham. There upon the king built a temple for Lord Vishnu and each day after worship offered food together with appam, and payasam, to the Brahmins who came to his house. One day Lord Vishnu came to the king’s house disguised as a poor Brahmin and informed that he is tired and hungry and needed food. The king requested the Brahmin to wait till the other Brahmins also assembled. But He conveyed to the king that He is too hungry and cannot wait. There upon, the king agreed to serve Him food. But to the surprise of the king the Brahmin ate all the food, and wanted some more. The king requested Him to take rest and went in to cook some more.  At that time Markandeya rishi, who was informed by Siva to seek refuge in Lord Vishnu for longevity of life, was directed to the King’s place to worship Lord Vishnu taking rest as an old Brahmin. Accordingly the rishi went to the king’s house where he saw the old Brahmin lying on the couch holding an appa kudam in one hand. Markandeya approached the Brahmin and bowed 100 times. Lord Vishnu regaining His original form lifted his hand from the appa kudam and blessed Markandeya with longevity of life. He also blessed the king to get rid of the Dosham. The activity of Sriman Narayanan, who gave the appam was seen in Gnyna Thirusti of nammalwar who is thirukkurugoor biran Sadagopan has compared Thirumaliruncholai and Thiruppernagar and sung 11 paasuram in Thiruvaaimozhi. In that pAsurams, he is explaining how Vishnu is getting out of Thirumaaliruncholai and how the way he gives seva to all the people in thiruppernagar. He has lot of appams in his stomach and giving to all the persons, who are suffering from hunger. Because of this, he doesn't want to get out of Thiruppernagar and sung as "Aara Vayitrinai Adangap Pidithen". Also, from this shtalam only, Nammalwar started his way to reach paramapadham. Thiruvarangam is popularly called as "Periya Kovil". To explain the speciality of Srirangam, here Sriman narayanan has given the seva as "Appakkundathan". Since, the Sthalam is situated on cauvery banks and the Lord is in sleeping stage this sthalam is called as "Kovil Adi". To memorise the situation of Srirangam, the theertham here is Kollidam. Moolavar: The Moolavar of this Sthalam is Appakkudathaan. He is also called as "Appalaa Ranganathan". Prathyaksham for Ubamannyu and Parasarar(Bhattar). Moolavar in Kidantha Kolam and in bhujanga sayanam facing west direction. Thayaar The Thayaar of this Sthalam is Indira Devi. Also called as "Kamala Valli". Mangalasasanam: Periyalwar - 2 Paasurams. Thirumangai Alwar - 19 Paasurams Thirumizhisai Alwar - 1 Paasuram. Namaalwar - 11 Paasurams.
Thiru Anbil - Sri Vadivazhagiya Nambi Perumal Temple, Trichy

Temple Location : About the Temple: It is situated in Tamil Nadu. This Divya Desam is situated 8 Kms away from Vizhupuram Guard line. It is situated on the North shore (Vadakarai) of collidam river. The bus way is through Kallanai to Kumbakonam. Sthala Puranam: This Anbil Sthalam is closely related to great creators. This whole world was created by Lord Brahma and Valmiki Maharishi is great Saint (Muni) and has lots of good thoughts built-in. Both these two persons are very good examples of creating good things and dedicating it to this mighty world. Based on the Kalyana gunam (Character) and Thiru Vadivam (shape) of Sriman Narayanan, they created good things and presented to the world. Behind this good creation, is the love (or) Anbu in Tamil on God? So, this sthalam is called as "Anbil". To all the creative people, all the things they see look good and beautiful. Like the same way, the God here is Vadivazhagiya Nambi and Thaayar is Azhagiyavalli Naachiyar showing Shundhara - Sorobha Dharshanam. Sundaram means "beautiful" and "good looking" and Soroobham means the body. Since, the Perumal and Thaayar are said to Good looking and beautiful, it is said the beauty of them attracts all of His bakthaas. "Anbae Kadavul, Anbae Azhaghu, Anbae Ulagam, Anbae Gnyanam and Anbae Padaippu" This is quote told here and the explanation is "God is love, Beauty is Love, Love is the world, Love is the Gnayanam and Love is the creator. And all these beautiful issues indicates how beauty the Perumal is. Moolavar: The Moolavar of this Sthalam is Vadivazhagiya Nambi. Moolavar in Kidantha Kolam and in Bhujanga sayanam and facing East direction. Prathyaksham for Lord Brahma and Valmiki. Thayaar The Thayaar of this Sthalam is Azhagiya Valli Naachiyar. Mangalasasanam: Thirumizhisai Alwar - 1

Thirukkarambanoor - Sri Purushothaman Perumal Temple, Trichy

Temple Location : About the Temple: It is situated in Trichy, Tamil Nadu district. 8 Kms away from Trichy, 3 1/2 Kms from Sri Rangam, situated in the middle of Trichy - Sri Rangam small Railway station along the Railway from Trichy to Vizhupuram Guard line. Bus facility also available. Sthala Puranam: The Sthalapuranams of this temple is also similar to that of the sthalapuranams of "Thirukkandiyoor". It is said that both Sivaperumaan and Brahma devan had 5 heads. But, Lord Shiva was angry on Brahma Devan that he too had five heads. Because of this anger, he plucked one of his head from his body and was caught by "Brahmagarthi Dhosam". Because of this, he lost of his wealth and started beg for food using the Kabala. Because of this, Lord Shiva is called as "Picchai Andavar". He was given the curse that he can get rid of this sin only if the Kabaalam is completely filled-up with food. From then, Lord Shivan visited all the Divyadesams to get out of his sin. At that time, he was offered food by Sri MahAlakshmi and the Kabala was filled completely with food and from then, he got out of his "Brahmagarthi Dhosam". In this sthalam, Sriman Narayanan, Lord Shiva and Brahma Devan who are collectively called as "Mummoorthigal" are found in separate sannadhis and giving their seva to the world. Since, Emperumaan, Prushothaman gave Prathyaksham for Kadhamba Munivar, this Kshetram is also called as "Kadhamba Kshetram". Emperumaan, Sriman Narayanam is named as "Uthamar" and Lord shiva is named as "Pikshandanar". In Aavani and Chithirai month, grand utsavams are done. Marriages are also conducted  in this temple. This sthalaperumal is Purushothaman (Purushan + Uthaman). Purushan means husband and Uthaman means a person who behaves and likes his wife and doesn't even think of other women. Sri Ramar is the best example for Uthaman and he is said to be "Eaga Pathini Vridhan". So this sthalam is named as "Uthamar Koil" and Emperumaan is called as "Uthaman". Doing pooja in Naga linga flower is one of the speciality in this temple and it is said to eradicate all the problems in our life. Specials: Lord Shiva - Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma who are collectively called as "Mum Murthy" are said to found here in this temple. Moolavar: The Moolavar of this Sthalam is Purushothaman. He is found in Moolavar in Bujanga seva facing East direction. Prathyaksham for Kadhamba Munivar, Thirumangai Alwar, Ubarusaravasoo, the four persons Sanaga, Sanaathana and Sanathkumarar. Thayaar The Thayaar of this Sthalam is Poorvadevi. Also called as "Pooranavalli". Mangalasasanam: Thirumangai Alwar - 1 Paasuram.
Thirukkozhi - Sri Azhagiya Manavaalan Perumal Temple, Trichy

Temple Location : About the Temple: Situated in Uraiyur, Trichy district in Tamil Nadu.- 2 miles away from Trichy Junction. It is also near to Naachiyar koil. Which is in between Trichy - Main guard Gate. Sthala Puranam: Once upon a time, there was a discussion among the great rishis that who among Trimuthies, is the greatest. They could not come to a conclusion and finally, all the rishis thought that they might get an answer from the great muni, Brighu. They all explained about the discussion they had among them and requested him to clear their doubt. Brighu muni also accepted their words and told them he would give an answer that would clear all of their doubts. First, he went to Kailasam where Lord Shivan and Godess Parvathi reside. But, in the entrance itself, Brighu muni was stopped by the Dwara Balakaas as the residing deities are all alone and doesn’t want them to get disturbed. As he got this kind of answer in Kailash, he thought he could not be the right person who might help his devotees as he was not easily accessible to his devotees. Disappointed by this activity, he then left to Sathya Lokam where Lord Brahma and Godess Saraswathi reside. There also he could not meet Brahma devan and there also he was disappointed . Finally, he went to Sri Vaikuntam where Sriman Narayanan and Godess Sri Laksmi reside. As Brighu muni entered Vaikuntam, he was greeted in a good manner and this  made him to think that Sriman Narayanan is the right person to whom all persons and rishis can  directly approach and get salvation . Sriman Narayanan offered him with the seat and did the Paadha Pooja for him. But, this action of Sri Vishnu was not to the liking of Mahalakshmi asked Him not to hold  the feet. But, this action of Sri Lakshmi made agitated  Brighu muni and in the fit of an anger cursed her that she would take a birth in the BoolOga. But, Sri Lakshmi felt very sad for the curse . Sriman Narayanan consoled her that it is the destiny that she should have a birth in the BoolOga and he will reach her and marry her also .At the same time in the BoolOga earth, a king by named Dharmavarman lived in Kumbakonam, Chozha Naadu. Once he went out for huting and found the rishis were being distressed by some demons and sought his  help  Dharma Varman readily agreed and decided to stay with them to kill the demons  The King was not blessed with any heirs and sought  the blessings of the  rishis. And , all the rishis did a Yagam to invoke the blessings of the God to grabnt him a child . At that time, a devine voice was heard saying that a prayer to Mahalakshmi would resul herself born as the daughter of the king.  Hearing this, he started to pray towards Sri Lakshmi and finally, a female child was born to him and was named as "Vara Lakshmi". As the days went on, Dharma Varman started looking out  a perfect groom for his daughter and announced a Swayamvaram . Lots of kings attended  this and at the same time, Sriman Narayanan also came there one among the grooms. When Sri Lakshmi came, she noticed Sriman Narayanan’s presence and went straight towards Him and Garlanded him. The King was very happy and conducted their marriage without loss of any time. All the persons attended this wedding of Sri Vishnu and Sri Lakshmi and the king constructed a  temple for Sri Ranganathar in his Kalyana Thirukkolam. On the first day of Panguni Uthiram, Sri Ranganathar comes from Sri Rangam and stay in Urayoor. And on Panguni Uthiram, he marries Kamalavalli Naachiyar and give his Kalyana Kola Seva to his Bhakthas. There is no Utsavar found in this sthalam as Sri Ranganathar of Sri Rangam came here to marry Sri Lakshmi and the Utsavar of Sri Rangam is considered to be the Utsavar of this sthalam too. In this sthalam, Periya Pirattiyar is giving her seva in two different ways. One is Irundha seva and the other one is Kidantha seva. Combining these both sevas, she is giving seva as "Urayum" (from sitting seva to sleeping seva) seva, this temple is called "Thiru Urayoor". On the first day of Panguni Uthiram, Sri Ranganathar comes from Sri Rangam and stay in Urayoor. And on Panguni Uthiram, he marries Kamalavalli Naachiyar and give his Kalyana Kola Seva to his Bhakthas. Only Moolavar is found in this sthalam. There is no Utsavar here. Since, Arangan married Kamalavalli Naachiyaar, Utsavar of Srirangam is said to be the Utsavar for this Thirukkozhi sthalam too. There is no Brahmotsavam conducted in this divya desam. This is the birth place of  Sri Thiruppaanazhwar - Thayaar The Thayaar of this Sthalam is Sri Kamalavalli Naachiyaar (Vaasakshmi). Also named as "Uraiyur Valli". She is found in Sitting (Veetrirundha) Kolam facing North direction. The Position of the Thaayar is similar to position of a Bride who sits along with the Groom during marriage. The above positions are called as "Thirukalyana Avasaram". Mangalasasanam: Kulasekara Alwar - 1 Paasuram Thirumangai Alwar - 2 " Total - 2 "
Thiru Thanjaimaamani Koil - Sri Neelamegam Perumal Temple, Tanjore

About the Temple: This temple is in Tanjore district of Tamil Nadu. It's in the banks of the river Vennaaru and its about 2 1/2 miles away from the Tanjore railway station. Bus facilities are provided and staying facilities are furnished. Sthala Puranam: Tanjore is the capital of the Chola Kingdom. Parasara Maharishi's and all the other rishi's wanted to get dharsan of Lord Narayana down in this earth and hence the Lord sat on the bank of the river vinnaaru now vennaaru which is a pious river flowing with Amudhan (the drink bringing eternity) tin the Vishnuloga. This is the story behind the formation of the Tanjore Maamani Koils. It's also said that the Viraja river flowing in the Vishnu Lokam has changed as Vennaary here. As the Utsavar, Sriman Narayanan is considered as to be the king of this whole universe, he has the Sengol (Baton) in his hand. Inside the main sannadhi of Thanjai Maamani Koil Moolavar (Garbagraham), we can find dancing idol of Lord Krishna, Venkatesa perumal in his marriage dress along with his two wives and Lord Varadharaja perumal. Outside the Moolavar Sannathi, we can dharsan Lakshmi Narasimar containing godess Lakshmi devi in his right lap, Andal Naachiyar and Vishvakshenar. Thaayar Senkamalavalli Nachiyar has a seperate sannadhi. Outside the Thaayar sannadhi, there is one pillar in which one side Yoga Narasimar is portraited whereas on the other side Lord Aanchaneya (Hanuman) isfound. It is said that if we come around and pray the Narasima and Aanchaneya continuosly for 108 times, all our wishes would be granted immediately. Towards the right side of the Thaayar sannadhi there is Vedhanta desigan saanthi which is said to be set up his own son Nayinaaraachariyar. There is a beautiful story regarding the Thanjai Yazhinagar perumal. Parasa Maharishi along with other rishi's was living here. Deomns destroyed their yagnas and gave the rishi's lots of troubles. Among them Tharagan, Thandagan and Thanjagan were particular in their tasks. Kaalidevi (Wife of Lord shiva) killed almost all the Demons. But somehow Thanjagan escaped from her and started to trouble the rishi's. So as an answer to the prayer of rishi's Lord Narayana took the form of Narasimha once again and killed the demon. It is to be noted that Thaaragan and Thandagan was killed by Kaali during the period of Krishna avathar but Lord Narayana took the form of Narasima which is 4th avathaar. So this Yazhinagar Narasimar is very special. In rememberance of Thanjakasuran this palce is called Tanjore Nagar, and the Thaayar Thanjai Naayaki. The Vedas say that Lord Narayana would take any form at any time to protect his devotees. And the above case proves it. As the meaning of Vedas is explained here, the Vimaanam of this place is Vedasundara vimaanam. The Vimaanam of Thanjai Maamani Koil is beautifully carved and hence gets it name Soundaraja vimaanam. And as the perumal stands as a hill of with a grace on glare of pearls and stones in Manikundra perumal Koil its vimaanam has the Manikooda vimaanam. This Divyadesam is a collection of 3 temples each within a distance of about one mile. All the Three Perumals are in sitting posture and all the Three Utsavars are named as "Sriman Narayanan" only. The above 3 Temples are Thanjai Maamani Koil. Thanjai Manikundra Perumal Koil. Thanjai Yazhinagar Koil. Moolavar: The Moolavar of this sthalam is Sri Neelamegam Perumal. The Moolavar is giving his seva in Sitting position facing his thirumugham towards east direction. Prathyaksham for Parasara Maharishi. Thayaar: The Thayaar found in this sthalam is Senkamalavalli. Utsavar: The Utsavar of this sthalam is Sriman Narayanan. Mangalasasanam: ThirumangaiAlvar - 3 Paasurams Nammalwar - 1 Paasuram Bhoodathalwar - 1 Paasuram. Total - 5 Paasurams. Though my philosopher and guide Mani Sastrigal told me about the Muthu Mariamman Koil at Punnainallur- I have never visited the temple earlier despite the fact that I visit Tanjore almost every Year for the Aadi Pooram festival at Tiruvaiyaaru.  We had plenty of time at our disposal before catching the train at the night, we decided to visit this shrine and get the grace of the deity.  The temple is situated at Tanjore, 6 kilometers from the old bus stand.

Sthalapuranams:

It is said to be that before waging war with Tanjan asuran Lord Shiva Placed the Ashta Sakthi one at each of eight direction, and the one situated at the eastern direction is now called as Punnainallur Mariamman.

The Maratha King Venkoji maharaja chatrapathi is a devotee of Mariamman. He decided to go for a pilgrimage to Tiruchirapalli to visit Samayapuram Mariamman. On his midway of traveling towards Tiruchirapalli, he took rest under a tree shade. Suddenly in his dream Mariamman showed up and told, that she is in a forest of Punnai trees at a distance of about 3 miles from Thanjavur. The King rushed to the spot indicated to him and he saw a white-ant hill (Putru) and started building a temple around it and thus the temple originated.

The Maratha rulers Thulaja, Saraboji  also worshiped and renovated the temple in their ruling period. It is said that the daughter of Thulaja Raja (1729-35) of Thanjavur, who lost her eyesight in an illness, regained it on offering worship at this temple

Saint Sathasiva Brahmendral visited this place, installed Sri chakram and shaped a face of Mariamman over the Putru. Hence there is no anointing to the deity, instead all anointing are done to Vishnu Durgai and Proceeding deity near the sanctum. Once in five years Thailabishekam (Punugu sattam) is placed for a period of forty eight days over the Putru, during that time a curtain is placed drawn with image of Amman.

Even now during summer we can see a water pellet (sweat) in Goddess face and forehead. Hence to reduce the heat in the sanctum water is filled around it.

The goddess cures her devotees of all physical ailments. A charismatic yet considerate form is seen here. Mud replicas of the different parts of the human body are placed in the temple as an offering and pleading the mother for cure.

We left Thanjavur in the night and reached Chennai safely on the next morning.  The trip was excellent in which we could visit six out of seven divyadesams aroun