Divya Desam Spotlight: Thiruneermalai’s Twin Shrines and Timeless Beliefs

 

Location

• Thiruneermalai, a suburb of Chennai in Tamil Nadu, near Pallavaram
• District: Chengalpattu (historically part of Kanchipuram)

Temple Structure & Deities

Thiruneermalai is unique for housing two temples:

Base Temple (Neervanna Perumal Temple):

o    Moolavar (Presiding Deity): Neervanna Perumal (standing posture)

o    Thayar (Consort): Animamalarmangai Thayar

o    Subshrines: Dedicated to Ranganatha, Ulagalanda Perumal, and Bala Narasimhar

o    Theerthams: Siddha, Swarna, Karunya Theerthams, and Ksheera Pushkarini

Hill Temple (Ranganatha Swamy Temple):

o    Moolavar: Sri Ranganatha (reclining posture)

o    Thayar: Ranganayaki

o    Accessible via a scenic climb offering panoramic views

Temple Significance

• Divya Desam: One of the 108 sacred Vishnu temples praised in the Naalayira Divya Prabandham
• Alwar Connection: Saints Tirumangai Alwar and Boodhathazwar composed hymns here
• Legend: Sage Valmiki worshipped here and had darshan of Lord Rama and Sita in the base temple
• Historical Name: Neermalai or Thoyathri Giri (Hill surrounded by water)
• Age: Estimated to be 1000–2000 years old, built in Dravidian style

History

• Chola and Pandya Inscriptions: The temple has epigraphic evidence from the Chola and later Pandya periods, indicating royal patronage and renovations over centuries.
• Divya Desam Status: Revered in the Naalayira Divya Prabandham by Thirumangai Alwar and Bhoodhath Alwar, making it one of the 108 Divya Desams.
• Ancient Name: Known in the Brahmanda Purana as Todatri or Tooyathri Giri—meaning “sacred hill surrounded by water”.
• Vaikanasa Agama: The temple follows this traditional Vaishnavite ritual system.

Legends

• Sage Valmiki’s Vision: Sage Valmiki performed penance here and had darshan of Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna. This is why the base temple includes shrines for Rama and his brothers.
• Alwar’s Delay: Thirumangai Alwar was delayed in visiting the hill shrine due to flooding. He composed hymns from the base, and later, upon reaching the hill, sang in praise of the reclining Ranganatha.
• Four Forms of Vishnu: The Lord is worshipped in four postures—Standing (Neervanna), Sitting (Veetrirundha Narayana), Reclining (Ranganatha), and Walking (Trivikrama)—a rare theological representation.

Architecture

• Dravidian Style: Both temples exhibit classic Dravidian architecture with gopurams, pillared mandapams, and intricate carvings.
• Two-Tiered Complex:
• Base Temple: Houses Neervanna Perumal (standing), Animamalar Mangai Thayar, and shrines for Rama, Narasimha, and Trivikrama.
• Hill Temple: Features Ranganatha Swamy in reclining posture with Ranganayaki Thayar.
• Sacred Tanks: Four theerthams—Siddha, Swarna, Karunya, and Ksheera Pushkarini—enhance the sanctity of the site.
• Panoramic Views: The hilltop offers sweeping views of the surrounding plains, enhancing its spiritual ambiance.

Daily Rituals

• Agamic Tradition: The temple follows Vaikanasa Agama, a Vaishnavite ritual system emphasizing purity, devotion, and prescribed worship methods.
• Ritual Components:
• Alangaram (decoration)
• Neivethanam (food offering)
• Deepa Aradhanai (lamp waving)
• Separate Rituals are conducted for:
• Neervanna Perumal (standing posture)
• Ranganatha Swamy (reclining posture)
• Animamalar Mangai Thayar and Ranganayaki Thayar

Major Festivals

• Brahmotsavam:
• Celebrated grandly for Ranganatha Swamy during Panguni (March–April)
• Includes Garuda Seva, Thiruther, and Theppotsavam (float festival)
• Vaikunta Ekadasi:
• Observed with special Paramapada Vasal opening and Perumal Purappadu
• Thirumangai Alwar Utsavam:
• Celebrates the saint’s visit and hymns composed here
• Sri Rama Navami:
• Unique due to Sage Valmiki’s connection and presence of Rama shrines
• Narasimha Jayanthi:
• Special abhishekam and alankaram for Bala Narasimhar
• Purattasi Saturdays:
• Devotees throng for Perumal Darshan and Malai Vazhipadu

Beliefs & Spiritual Significance

• Four Forms of Vishnu: Worshipping all four postures—Standing (Neervanna), Sitting (Veetrirundha Narayana), Reclining (Ranganatha), and Walking (Trivikrama)—is believed to grant moksha.
• Sage Valmiki’s Penance: Devotees believe sincere prayers here, like Valmiki’s, lead to divine vision and blessings.
• Flood Legend: The story of Thirumangai Alwar being delayed due to flooding reinforces the belief that faith transcends obstacles.
• Healing Waters: The temple tanks—Siddha, Swarna, Karunya, and Ksheera Pushkarini—are believed to have spiritual and medicinal properties.

Temple Timings

• Morning: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• Evening: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Open all days of the week
• Special timings may apply during festivals and Ekadasi days

Getting Here

Location

• Thiruneermalai, near Pallavaram, Chennai outskirts
• District: Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu

By Road

• From Chennai: ~25 km via GST Road (NH45)
• From Pallavaram: ~6 km; autos and buses available
• Parking available near the base temple

By Train

• Nearest station: Pallavaram Railway Station
• From there, take an auto or bus to Thiruneermalai

By Air

• Chennai International Airport is just 10 km away

Tips

• Climb to Hill Shrine: ~200 steps to reach Ranganatha Swamy temple; carry water and wear comfortable footwear
• Photography: Allowed in outer prakaram; restricted inside sanctum
• Footwear: Leave at designated areas near the base temple
• Best Time to Visit: Early morning or evening for pleasant weather and peaceful darshan
• Special Darshan: On Purattasi Saturdays, Vaikunta Ekadasi, and Brahmotsavam days
• Prasadam & Shops: Local vendors sell flowers, prasadam, and religious items near the base
• Spiritual Circuit: Combine with visits to Pazhanthandalam Lakshmi Narasimhar or Pallavaram Agastheeswarar temples nearby.