Ambal took the form of Kaali to kill Asuras who had secured boons of invincibility
Located opposite the Divya Desam of Veera Narasimha Perumal Thanjai Maa Mani Koil (Thanjai Maa Mani) is the Thanjai Pureeswarar temple in Vennartrankarai (Banks of Vennar) in the Northern outskirts of Thanjavur.
Three asuras, Thanjan, Thadakan and Thandakan had secured several boons from Lord Shiva and become almost invincible. Parasara rishi undertook penance at this place. Thanjan in light of the boon he had received harassed the Rishis. Thadagan had received the boon that if his blood spilt on the ground he would gain his life back. Answering the prayers of the rishi, Lord Shiva sent Ananada Valli Ambal to kill the asuras. She took the form of Pachai Kaali Amman to kill Thadagan. But every time his blood spilt on the ground he came back to life. Then she took the form of Pavala Kaali and killed him. As she took his life out after a crore deaths, she is referred to as Kodi Amman. She provided darshan along with Shiva. There is a separate temple of Kodi Amman half a kilometer south of this temple.
Thandakan was killed by Vishnu taking the form of Veera Narasimhar.
Kubera who lost his wealth invoked the blessings of the Lord in several Saivite temples. This was one of them. It was on Aipasi Amavasya day that Kubera had darshan of Shiva. In memory of this, Kubera Yaagam takes place on that day. There is a sculpture of Kubera inside the temple.
In 1889, a new mandapa was built at the entrance and Kumbabhisekam performed by the Marathas. For over a century, there had been no renovation at the temple until the current Prince Babaji Rajah Bhonsle (Thanjavur Prince) organised restoration of the temple in 2000. Currently, renovation work is on at the temple
10day Brahmotsavam is celebrated in Chitrai with Theerthavari on Pournami.
Every Friday there is an Oonjal for Ambal
On Amavasai day, there is an abhisekam for Kubera and anna dhanam for 500 people.
As is the trend in recent years, Pradosham has become a popular event with several hundreds of devotees being present on the evening.
The temple is open from 7am-12noon and 5pm-8pm. Contact Gnanasekar Gurukal @ 9600360499
Thanjai Maa Mani Koil is opposite this temple (Thanjai Divya Desam).
When here also visit, the historical Vashishteswarar temple in Karunthittakudi about a Km South East of this temple (Karunaswamy Koil)