the Ultimate Web on Indian Gods & Temples

 by Padmani,

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Abodes of Vishnu

61. Arulmigu Animalar Mangai Thayar sameda Neervanna Perumal Temple, Thiruneermalai

1. Bottom of the Hill

Mulavar   Neervanan
Utsavar    
Thayar   Animamalar Mangai
Pose & Direction   Standing pose facing South

2. Top of the Hill

Mulavar   1. Saantha Narasimhar  2. Renganathar  3. Thiruvikraman
Utsavar    
Thayar    
Kshethram    
Pose & Direction   Bala Narasimhar facing East, Ranganathar facing South, Trivikramar facing East
Theertham   Manikarnika Thadaakam, Sheera Pushkarni, Kaarunya Pushkarni, Siththa Pushkarni, Swarna Pushkarni
Vimanam   Thooyagiri Vimanam
Sthala Vruksham   Veppala
Paadiyavar   Thirumangai Alwar, Boodhath Alwar
Travel Base   Chennai
Nearest Railway Station   Pallavaram

Location

This temple is 6 kms from Pallavaram and 8 kms from Outer Ring Road. Buses available from Pallavaram. No much facility available near the temple. Either stay at Chennai or Tambaram and visit this temple.

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. The name Neer malai arises from the legend that when Tirumangaialwar visited this shrine, a moat of water surrounded the hill, and that he had to wait in the village down below for a six month period until the water receded.

Architecture

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.

Timings: 8.00 am to 12.00 noon, 4.00 pm to 8.00 pm