Thiruneermalai Neervanna Perumal Temple

Thiruneermalai Sri Neervanna Perumal Temple (also known as Neervanna Perumal Koil) is one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Located just 8 km west of Pallavaram, Chennai, this temple is celebrated in the hymns of Thirumangai Alvar and is a must-visit pilgrimage site for Vaishnavites.

Thiruneermalai Temple History (Sthala Puranam)

This sacred place has deep connections with rishis and Alwars.

Sage Bhrigu and Markandeya Maharishi, after having darshan of Lord Ranganatha in reclining posture at Srirangam, desired to see the same form again. Moved by their devotion, Lord Vishnu appeared here as Ranganatha in Bhoga Sayana Thirukolam (reclining form) on the hill.

Thirumangai Alvar visited this temple but found the entire hill surrounded by water, making it impossible to reach. He patiently waited until the waters receded before having darshan of the Lord.

Lord Vishnu, moved by his devotion, granted darshan in four divine forms:

• Standing posture – Neervanna Perumal (at the foot of the hill)
• Reclining posture – Ranganathar
• Sitting posture – Bala Narasimhar (calm and child-like)
• Walking posture – Ulagalanda Perumal (Trivikrama)

Thus, Thiruneermalai is one of the rare temples where devotees can worship Vishnu in four different postures.

Legend of Thiruneermalai

The place was once known as Kandava Vanam. After the Mahabharata war, Arjuna performed penance here to atone for the sin of killing countless warriors.

The name Thoyathrigiri comes from “Thoya” (water) + “Atri” (hill) – meaning “hill surrounded by water,” which later became Thiruneermalai.

Mythological Significance

Due to countless yagas performed by rishis, Agni Deva’s digestive power weakened. Lord Vishnu advised him to eat all the green plants of Kandava Vanam. Agni consumed them, leaving only Vepalai trees, which remain as the sacred tree of this temple.

Excessive heat after the forest burning troubled the sages, so Lord Vishnu asked Varuna Deva to pour heavy rains, flooding the entire hill — hence the name “Neermalai” (Water Hill).

Thiruneermalai Temple Architecture

• The temple has a beautiful three-tier Rajagopuram at the entrance.
• There are around 200 uniform steps to reach the hilltop shrine.
• On the way, there is a small Anjaneya (Hanuman) shrine.
• The mandapam in front of the gopuram was built by Carnatic music legend M.S. Subbulakshmi and Kalki Sadasivam, whose marriage took place in this temple.

Inside the Thiruneermalai temple:

• Adisesha has a separate sanctum in the outer prakaram.
• Lord Ranganathar is seen reclining facing South, flanked by ancient female sculptures holding lamps.
• The presiding deity is a Swayambhu Moorthy (self-manifested idol) – hence no Abhishekam is performed to the main deity. Only oil anointing (Thailakappu) is done on Karthigai Pournami.

Unique Features of This Temple

• One of the 8 Swayambhu Vishnu Kshetras (others include Srirangam, Srimushnam, Tirupati, Salagramam, Badrinath, etc.)
• Lord Narasimha here is called Bala Narasimhar – appearing in child form to calm Prahlada’s fear after Hiranyakashipu’s slaying.
• Separate sanctums for Ulagalanda Perumal, Ranganathar, and Ranganayaki Thayar.

Festivals and Utsavams

Brahmotsavam – Celebrated twice a year:

• Panguni (for Neervanna Perumal at the foothill temple)
• Chithirai (for Ranganathar at the hill temple)

Vaikunta Ekadasi – Swarga Vasal opening and Garuda Sevai.

Masi Magam – Special Garuda Sevai.

Pournami Girivalam – Circumambulation of the hill on every full moon day.

Rathasaptami – Unique festival where Lord Ranganathar goes on seven different vahanas in a single day, including Surya Prabhai before sunrise, signifying Sun God’s worship.

Thiruneermalai Temple Timings

• Morning: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• Evening: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Thiruneermalai Temple Location & Contact

Arulmigu Neervanna Perumal Thirukoil
Thiruneermalai – 600044, Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu, India

📞 Phone: +91-4422385484, 9840595374, 9444020820

• Nearest Town: Pallavaram (8 km)
• Transport: Buses available from Pallavaram to Thiruneermalai (5 km)

This post is published by..

Umamaheswari Sivanesan

Vanakkam! I'm Uma, currently living in Chennai. I hold a Master’s degree in Chemistry (M.Sc.), but my true passion lies in spirituality and the rich cultural heritage of Tamil traditions.

Read full bio →