Thanjapuri Mahatmyam - An Old and Rare Book (Tamil and Marathi)

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There are many men of Letters both in India and abroad admiring the Tanjore Maharaja Serfoji's Sarasvati Mahal Library as one of the Eight wonders of the World for its having enshrined in itself many rare and unique manuscripts in various languages like Sanskrit. Tamil, Telugu and Marathi. The book in hand is the edition of one such rare manuscript in Marathi having the title "Thanjapuri Mahatmyam".
The Thanjapuri Mahatmyam is preserved in only one manuscript (paper) ) in the Tanjore Maharaja Serfoji's Sarasvati Mahal Library at Tanjore. Its (Supplementary) ) No. is 2426. The author of this work is the well-reputed Seshakavi. It is said that Seshakavi wrote this book at the request of Amara Simha (1786-1798), one of the Maratha Kings who ruled Tanjore ( Prasanga 1. Slokas-38 to 44 of this book). It is believed that Seshakavi wrote this book based on the authority of the narrations found in the " Bhavishyottara Purana ", " Parasarakshetra Manmyam " and "Samivana Manmyam ". It is also said that he has given some additional information regarding the history of the place by studying the edicts and inscriptions found in the temple. This original manuscript is said to have been donated to the Library by Sri Krishnaswami Madick, B. A., a relation of the present Princes of Tanjore, former member of the Administrative Committee of the Library and illustrious and noted editor of many books in the Library.
The Thanjapuri Mahatmyam seems to be a historical story describing. the rule of 16 Chats Kings from Kulottunga to Bhadra ( Prasangas 5-29 ). It also describes the construction of Brahadeesvara Temple at Tanjore ( Prasangas 10-17 ).
The Library is always remaining with immeasurable indebtedness towards the Tamilnadu Government for its kindness in providing with the publication grant to publish this worthy book.
The Library Is wholeheartedly thanking the editor of this book, Sri T. R. Bhima Rao, Marath Pandit of the Tanjore Maharaja Serfoji's Sarasvat Mahal Library for his painstaking and sincere effon in editing the book faithfully. He has compared the relevant books like Brahadeesvara Mahatmya for making good edition of the book. He has explained the story portion of the text both in Tamil and Marathi in order to facilitate the reader to understand the Mahatmya easily.
The Sri Vani Vilas Syndicate Ltd., Srirangam has done its best to print the book neatly giving good get up within the stipulated period of time. The Library is thanking the Board of Directors and the staff of the press for their kind co-operation in bringing out the edition of the book in a good manner.