Thiruneermalai Temple

Introduction

Thiruneermalai is a famous temple of Vishnu located in the suburb of Chennai city. This is actually a cluster of 4 temples, spread between the base of a hill and its top. The Lord can be worshiped in all the 4 postures- as Nindran, the standing, Kidanthan, the reclining, Nadanthan, the walking, and Irundhan, the sitting. The Thiruneermalai Lord has been glorified in the devotional compositions of the Azhwar saints, and hence, this remains a Divya Desam, a chosen abode of Vishnu that has immense religious significance. The Staladhipathi, the presiding deity of this place, is Lord Neervanna Perumal, and he can be worshipped downhill along with his consort Animamalar Mangai Thayar. Lord Ranganatha, with his consort Ranganayaki Thayar, Lord Trivikrama, and Lord Narasimha, are housed on top of the hill. This temple is regarded as one among the ‘Ashtaswayamvaka Kshetra,’ the 8 sacred temples where the Lord manifested on his own.

Temple Legends

This place is referred to as ‘Thoyatri’ in the sacred text Brahmanda Purana, with the term meaning ‘the mountain surrounded by water.’ This is the same as its present Tamil name ‘Thiru Neer Malai,’ which means ‘a water-surrounded-mountain.’ As per the legend, Sage Valmiki, after completing his great work, epic Ramayana, worshipped Ranganatha at the top of this hill. Then, when he came down, he wished to worship Rama, and the Lord obliged him by appearing as the sage wanted. It is also said that Goddess Lakshmi, too, appeared as Sita, serpent Adi Sesha as Lakshmana, Vishnu’s conch Panchajanya as Bharatha, his discus Sudarshana as Shatrugna, and Garuda, the bird mount, as Hanuman.

The History and Architecture of Thiruneermalai Temple

The temple inscriptions show that it has received many contributions from the Chola and Pandya rulers. In all, the temple structures at the top and bottom of the hill are spread across an area of 15 acres. Lord Neervanna Perumal can be worshipped at the foothills as Nindran, in the standing posture. His consort Animamalar Mangai Thayar, Kalyana Ramar, and Andal are also housed in separate shrines, there. Hanuman shrine is also there, adjacent to the steps that run-up to the hilltop. Ranganatha, as Kidanthan, the reclining-Lord, is the principal deity uphill, who can be worshipped in the sanctum under the Ranga Vimana. Ranganayaki Thayar, his consort, is also housed separately. Besides, Lord Trivikrama, as Nadanthan, the walking-Lord and Lord Narasimha as Irundhan, the sitting-Lord, too, can be worshipped on top of the hill. The temple tank Kshera Pushkarani is said to be fed from the waters of Lord’s divine abode Vaikunta. Whereas, another tank Karunya Pushkarini is said to have been filled with the tears that Narasimha shed on seeing the intense devotion of Prahlada.

Devotees can have a wonderful view of the surroundings, from the top of the hill.

Temple Festivals

Separate Brahmotsavams are celebrated for Neervanna Perumal and Lord Ranganatha in Panguni (March-April) and Chittirai (April-May), respectively. Also, while Masi Uttiram is celebrated as Animamalar Mangai Thayar’s birthday, Panguni Uttiram is observed for Ranganayaki Thayar.

Benefits of worshipping the Lords of Thiruneermalai Temple

People take holy dips in the temple tanks for a cure from illnesses, and for a sound body and mind. There also perform austerities and seek progeny blessings. People also pray for the removal of marriage obstacles so that they can have an early marriage and a harmonious married life.