This temple is a cluster of 3 temples together making a divyadeshams .
1. Manikundra Perumal
2. Neela Megha Perumal
3. Sri Narasimhar
The 3 temples are near each other and is known as Thanjai Mamani koil .
Mangalasasanam was done by Thirumangai alwar, Nammalwar and Bhoodhathalwar.
In ancient days this place was called as Manikundram.
Moolavar : Sri Manikundra Perumal
Thayar : Sri Ambujavalli
Some of the important features of this temple are….
The temple was built like a madakoil , little above the ground level . It was told that this temple was built on a small hill ( Kundru). Dwajasthambam, Palipedam and Garudalwar are immediately after the entrance arch .
The sanctum sanctorum consists of Sanctum , Antarala and arthamandapam. Moolavar Sri Manikundra Perumal is in sitting posture with Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi . Thayar Ambujavalli is facing east in a separate sannadhi with a small vimana . Garudalwar and Anjaneyar are at the entrance of the sanctum arthamandapam . The Paramapatha Vayil is on the north side with steps. Perumal gave dharshan to Markandeyar.
As per the legend Parasara Maharishi with his disciple lived in the ashram on the banks of river Manimutha river now called as Vennar. The demons Thanjaka, Thandaka and Tharakasura gave troubles to the Sage Parasara Maharishi and his yagam. So Maharishi requested Lord Shiva to protect them from demons. Lord Shiva in turn sent Kali ( another avathar of Sri Parvati ). Tharakasura was Killed by Kali but couldn’t kill Thanjaka and Thandaka. When the sage Parasara approached Vishnu, He took the form of Narasimhar ( with lion’s Face – Yazhi face ) and Killed Thanjaka . As per his request Sri Narasimhar stayed in Yazhi Nagar. On seeing this Thandaka, hide himself in the pathalaloga. Now Vishnu took the form of Varaha ( Boar ) and killed the demon Thandaka . After Killing the demons Lord Vishnu gave dharshan in the form of Neelamega Perumal to Sage Parasara Maharishi. Lord Vishnu bless us in three different names in three temples close to each other. In Neelameghaperumal Temple Lakshmi is sitting on the left lap of Perumal but in Narasimhar temple Goddess Lakshmi is sitting on the right side since Lord Vishnu looks ferocious .
Only one priest looks after the 3 temples so had to wait till he finishes in first temples and locks and comes to other .
Ranjus travel blog 