One of the 108 Divya Desas in Vaishnavite tradition we caught a glimpse of its puranic lore in the previous article.

The demon Thandakasuran after the death of his two brothers chased Mahavishnu and went to the nether worlds and hid himself. He wanted to avenge the death of his two brothers. The Almighty at once took the form of Varaha ( wild boar) emerged resplendently to behead him . The demon knew that his end was nearing and surrendered himself to the Almighty and requested that the place should be named after him. Thus this area is called Thandakarinyan as the demon is called Thandakasuran.

Since the Almighty took the form of varaha and emerged from a holy spot called Srimushnam he is called Bhoovarahan. He is self manifest (swayambhu). After the incarnation of the Lord, Kubera summoned the celestial sculptor -Viswakarma to build a town with Garuda in a flying posture. Thus in this hallowed spot Garuda is powerful and is said to guard the entire area. The holy river in Vaikuntam is called Viraja and it is believed to flow here .

Since the river has its origin from Vin -heavens the river -Aaru came to be called Vennaru., Which flows near the place. Since all the gods face the town of Tanjore they are the gods guarding the town and the place is called Thanjai mamani koil.

This holy spot is called Garudapuri, Vambulancholai Azhgapuri, Thanjayali nagar.

There are three temples which constitute Thanjai mamani koil.

Thanjavur is a buzzing town which is called the rice bowl of Tamil nadu .It can be reached by train or bus and is around 320kms from Chenani.

Concluded

Usha Raja