Thiruneermalai Temple

Hindus are polytheistic. It is believed that Hindus have 33 crore deities. Each deity has their own temple dedicated to them. Thiruneermalai Temple or Sri Neervanna Perumal Temple is a Hindu temple in Thiruneermalai, a suburb of Chennai, India. While the Sthalathipadi (presiding deity) is Neervanna Perumal, all utsavams (Celebrations) are for Lord Ranganatha.

HISTORY

The legend is that when Valmiki prayed to Lord Ranganatha and Goddess Ranganayaki in the base temple, they took the form of Lord Rama and Sita. The Sesha, Conch, Chakra appeared as Lakshmana, Bharata and Shatruguna and Garuda as Hanuman. Sage Valmiki could view Lord Ranganatha, Lord Trivikrama and Lord Narasimha in the top temple.

Long ago, this hill was surrounded by water when Thirumangai Azhwar visited the shrine. Hence it is called Thiruneermalai. It is one of the Divya desam. People need to climb steps to reach the hill top. There are around 200 to 300 steps.

TEMPLE STRUCTURE

The temple is very beautifully constructed and the architecture is greatly appreciated. It covers a vast area and the space is very well utilized. The devotees get enough space to worship the Lord peacefully and also to relax around the temple area.

The complex is in two parts. One at the base of the hill for the Staladhipadhi Neervanan (Ninran-Standing Posture), housing shrines of his consort Animamalar Mangai thayar, Kalyana Ramar and Andal. Shrine for Anjaneya (Hanuman) is to the right as one climbs up to the hill shrine. The temple complex up the hill has three shrines for Lord Ranganatha (Kidanthaan – in reclining posture), Trivikrama (Nadanthaan – in walking posture), Lord Narasimha (Irundhaan – sitting posture) and a Shrine for Ranaganayaki Thayar (facing East). It is a double prakaram (outer courtyard) temple. The Garuda shrine faces the Lord. The view from the top of the hill is wonderful.

FESTIVALS

Festivals are the occasions of celebration and are grandly celebrated in the temple. Most of the festivals are celebrated in the temple but some are the special ones which get extra importance by the temple authorities.

Two Bramhotsavams and Uttiram (Birth star of mother goddess) are celebrated. Bramhotsavam of Neervanan is held in the Tamil month of Panguni (mid-March – mid April) and for Rangantha Perumal in the month of Chittirai (mid April – mid May). While Panguni uttiram is celebrated for Ranganayaki Thayar, Masi Uttiram is the Birth star of Animamalar Mangai, the consort of Neervanna Perumal.

The temple rituals are conducted as per Vaikanasa Agamam.

DARSHAN AND SEVAS

Bramhotsatavams: Panguni and Chittirai Uttiram Masi (Animamalar mangai Thayar) and Panguni (Ranganayaki Thayar) Rathasapthami Thirunakstrams of Azhwars and Acharyans Pavitrotsavam

Temple Timings: 8 AM -12 Noon and 4PM – 8 PM

PRASADAM

Puliyodharai (Tamarind Rice), Dhadhyonam (Curd Rice), Pongal, Chakkarai Pongal, Vada, Adhirasam and Murukku are offered to the Lord as Prasadam.

TRANSPORT

This temple can be accessed by public transport from Pallavaram (About 6 km). Road access is also available through Chennai bypass service road (8 km from West Tambaram) as well as the recently completed Outer Ring Road.

This temple is one of the most famous temples of South India and the popularity it has gained is a result of its well-maintained surrounding and serene atmosphere.