Thiruneermalai Temple - Sri Neervanna Perumal Temple

By the name on its own, Thiruneermalai Temple or Sri Neervanna Perumal Temple is a prominent Hindu temple situated in Thiruneermalai, a suburban area in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The temple is a part of the famous 108 Divya Desam temples. Though the prime presiding deity (Sthalathipadi) is Neervanna Perumal, all the celebrations (utsavams) are made for Lord Ranganatha.

History of the Temple: 

Lord Ranganatha and Goddess Ranganayaki took the form of Lord Rama and Sita when Valmiki prayed to them in the base temple. The Sesha, Conch, Chakra, and Garuda appeared as Lakshmana, Bharata, Shatrughna, and Hanuman. Valmiki the sage was able to view Lord Ranganatha, Lord Narasimha, and Lord Trivikrama on the top of the temple. Ages back when Thirumangai Azhwar visited this Thiruneermalai shrine, the hill was surrounded by water and this is the reason behind the name, ‘Thiruneermalai’. And it is a part of the Divya Desam. The temple has around 200 to 300 steps, which has to be climbed by the devotees to reach the top of the hill where the temple is located.

Structure of the Temple: 

The temple is well known for its great structural beauty and its excellent architecture. The temple covers a huge area and the space is well maintained and utilised. There is enough space for the devotees to sit and relax around the temple and to also have a peaceful worship to the Lord. 

At the base of the hill is the Sthalathipadhi Neervannan (Ninran-Standing Posture) along with the shrines of his consorts, Kalyana Ramar, Animamalar Mangai Thayar, and Andal. While one climbs up the hill, the Shrine for Anjaneya (Hanuman) is found at the right. The hill has three shrines - Lord Ranganatha (Kidanthaan, in reclining position), Lord Narasimha (Irundhaan, in sitting position), and Trivikrama (Nadanthaan, in walking position). And there is a east facing shrine for Ranganayaki Thayar. The temple has a double prakaram (outer courtyard). The shrine of the Garuda faces the lord. On the whole, the temple on the hill gives an amazing view from the top.

Festivals Celebrated in the Temple:

Most of the festivals are celebrated in a grand manner in the temple. But there are certain special occasions which are celebrated profoundly by the temple authorities in the temple. The temple celebrates two Brahmotsavams and Uttiram - birth star of Mother Goddess. The Brahmotsavam of the Lord Neervannan takes place in between mid March and mid April (Panguni - Tamil month). And the Brahmotsavam for Ranganatha Perumal happens between mid April and mid May (Chithirai - Tamil month). Panguni Uthiram is religiously celebrated for Ranganayaki Thayar and Masi Uttiram is known to be the birth star of Animamalar Mangai, the consort of Neervanna Perumal. The regular temple rituals happen as per the Vaikhanasa Agamam.

Temple Timings: 

Morning: 8 AM - 12 PM

Evening: 4 PM - 8 PM

Temple Address: 28, Mettu St, Tiruneermalai, Chennai, Tamil Nadu - 600 044.

Transportation Facilities:

This temple is about 6 kilometres away from Pallavaram and can be accessed through public transport. It is 8 kilometres from West Tambaram, Chennai Bypass service road can be used.