Moolavar : Neelamegar, Veera Narasimhar, Manikundrar
Urchavar : Narayanar
Amman / Thayar : Sengamalavalli, Thanjai Nayaki, Ambujavalli
Thala Virutcham : Magizham
Theertham : Amirtha Theertham
Agamam / Pooja : Vaikanasam
Old year : 1000-2000 years old
Historical Name : Thanjamapuri
City : Thanjavur
District : Thanjavur
State : Tamil Nadu
Presiding Lord appears in a sitting posture. The Lord is Veera Narasimhar in Singaperumal Koil. Sri Yoga Narasimha is in the front Mandap. Also Sri Lakshmi Narasimha is in the prakara of Neelmega Perumal temple, Abhayavaradha Narasimhar on the Garudazhwar Vimana and Kambathadi Yoga Narasimha on the pillar of Thayar shrine. Thus there are Five Narasimha Lords in the temple.
Greatness Of Temple:
Lord Mahavishnu Himself is in the discus as Chakarathazhwar in Veera Narasimhar temple. The idol is beautifully sculptured showing Lord placing His hand on an elephant. There is also an idol nearby worshipping Lord. The portrayal is described as Thanjakasura (the elephant) and the little idol as the demon figure worshipping the Lord after correcting himself of his bad traits. Thus, it is taught that pardon is available to the wicked correcting themselves. Behind is Lord Yoga Narasimha in sitting posture with Hiranyakasibu and Prahladha. Darshan of Chakarathazhwar is considered very important.
Mother Mahalakshmi on the left of Lord of Narasimha is on His right in the shrine at Neelamega Perumal temple prakara in sitting form. This Narasimha is also called Valavandhai (right side) Narasimha. Lord Narasimha was in high fury after killing Hiranya. As Mahalaskhmi would be absent in places dominated by anger, She has chosen the right side, it is said. It is advised that those of short tempered nature should correct themselves if they wish to have the grace of Mother Mahalakshmi.
Lord Vishnu who destroyed the demons graces in three separate temples as Neelamegar, Manikundra Perumal and Veera Narasimha in three forms. Saints Boodhathazhwar and Tirumangai Azhwar had sung the glory of the three Perumals together in their hymns. The three temples form a single Divya Desa. Saint Tirumangai Azhwar had sung the Mangalasasanam twice for the temple. Lord Veera Narasimhar blesses the devotees from the sanctum sanctorum along with Mothers Sridevi and Bhoodevi. Instead of abishek only Thailakappu is done for the three presiding deities.
As procession deity, Neelamega Perumal is holding the Sengol-the royal stick of authority. Procession Mother is wearing a crown of Fire but soft and smiling in look. Sage Parasara is in the sanctum in worshipping posture.
Lord Hayagriva the authority of Wisdom is facing north with Mother Mahalakshmi the Goddess of Wealth. Devotees worship Lord and Mother offering cardamom garlands, light ghee lamps with sugar candy as niedhana to gain academic excellence.
Temple 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.
