Thiruneermalai Sri Neer Vanna Perumal (Ranganatha )Temple- Kanchipuram

Address

Thiruneermalai Sri Neer Vanna Perumal (Ranganatha )Temple- Tiruneermalai – 600 044, Kancheepuram district.

Deity

Neervannar, Amman: Ranga Nayagai

Introduction

• Location: Thiruneermalai, a suburb of Chennai, India.
• Presiding Deity: Neervanna Perumal (Sthalathipadi).
• All utsavams (celebrations) are dedicated to Lord Ranganatha.
• Temple Complex:
  • Two parts:
    • Base of the hill: Houses shrines of:
      • Neervanan Perumal (Standing posture – Ninran).
      • Animamalar Mangai Thayar (his consort).
      • Kalyana Ramar and Andal.
      • Anjaneya (Hanuman) shrine on the right while climbing uphill.
    • Hilltop Complex:
      • Lord Ranganatha (Reclining posture – Kidanthaan).
      • Trivikrama (Walking posture – Nadanthaan).
      • Lord Narasimha (Sitting posture – Irundhaan).
      • Ranganayaki Thayar (facing east).
• Architecture: Double prakaram (outer courtyard) temple.
• Garuda shrine faces Lord Vishnu.
• Scenic View: The top of the hill provides a wonderful panoramic view.
• Temple Rituals: Follow the Vaikanasa Agama tradition.

Puranic Significance

• Historical inscriptions from the Chola and later Pandya periods, indicating significant donations.
• Mentioned in Brahmanda Purana as Toyatri, meaning a mountain surrounded by water.
• Modern name Thiruneermalai also means a sacred mountain surrounded by water.
• One of the eight sacred Vishnu temples where he manifested himself (Ashta Swayam Vyakta Kshetra).
• Sage Valmiki, after composing the Ramayana, worshipped Ranganatha at the top of the hill.
• As Valmiki descended, he wished to have a darshan of Lord Rama, and:
  • Lakshmi appeared as Sita.
  • Adi Sesha as Lakshmana.
  • Vishnu’s shankha (conch) as Bharata.
  • Sudarshana Chakra as Shatrughna.
  • Garuda as Hanuman.

Special Features

• Temple Layout:
  • Two temples:
    • One at the hilltop.
    • One at the foothills.
  • Total area: 15 acres (6.1 ha).
  • Lower shrine: Covers 3 acres (1.2 ha).
• Presiding Deity:
  • Foothills – Neervana Perumal (Standing posture).
  • Uphill – Ranganatha Perumal with Ranga Vimana above the sanctum.
• Other Images/Shrines:
  • Trivikrama and Narasimha around the first precinct.
• Temple Tanks (Pushkarini):
  • Ksheera Pushkarini: Believed to feed the waters of Vaikunta, the Ocean of Milk.
  • Karunya Pushkarini: Said to be formed from the tears of Lord Narasimha, moved by Prahlada’s prayers.
  • Swarna Pushkarini and Siddha Pushkarini are additional sacred water bodies.

Festivals

• Two Brahmotsavams:
  • Neervanan’s Brahmotsavam – Panguni (mid-March to mid-April).
  • Ranganatha Perumal’s Brahmotsavam – Chittirai (mid-April to mid-May).
• Uttiram Celebrations (Birth Star of Goddess):
  • Panguni Uttiram – Celebrated for Ranganayaki Thayar.
  • Masi Uttiram – Celebrates Animamalar Mangai Thayar, consort of Neervanna Perumal.

Century/Period/Age

1000 to 2000 years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Pallavaram

Nearest Railway Station

Pallavaram

Nearest Airport

Chennai

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