Sri Neervanna Perumal Temple , Thiruneermalai (Chennai)
✓
📍 Thiruneermalai, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu
International SignificanceThe 58th Divya Desam at Thiruneermalai (Toyadri) is a sacred hill surrounded by water where Thirumangai Alvar waited six months for floodwaters to recede, enshrining Vishnu in all four postures (Standing, Reclining, Seated, Striding).
🕒 Practical Information
🕉️ Spiritual Details
Sri Neervanna Perumal & Sri Ranganatha (Four Divine Postures)
Foothill Moolavar: Sri Neervanna Perumal (Nindra Kolam / Standing posture facing East); Hilltop Moolavars: Sri Ranganatha / Manikundram (Kidantha Kolam / Reclining facing South); Sri Shantha Narasimhar (Iruntha Kolam / Seated facing East); Sri Trivikraman / Ulagalanthan (Nadandha Kolam / Striding facing East); Thayar: Animamalarmangai Thayar; Vimanam: Toyagiri Vimanam; Theertham: Manikarnika, Kshira Pushkarini, Karunya Theertham; Pratyaksham: Sage Valmiki, Sage Bhrigu, Sage Markandeya.
🕉️ Divine Snapshot
Sri Neervanna Perumal & Sri Ranganatha (Four Divine Postures)
Thiruneermalai, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu
28, Mettu St, Tiruneermalai, Chennai, Tambaram, Tamil Nadu 600132
Spiritual Highlights
UNVERIFIED
When Thirumangai Alvar arrived, the hill was surrounded by floodwaters for six months; the Alvar waited patiently at a neighboring mound until the waters receded to obtain darshan.
Climbing the 200 stone steps to worship the hilltop shrines and circumambulating the Manikarnika Theertham.
UNVERIFIED
About Sri Neervanna Perumal Temple , Thiruneermalai (Chennai)
Sri Neervanna Perumal Temple in Thiruneermalai (near Chromepet/Chennai in Chengalpattu district, Tamil Nadu) is the 58th Divya Desam. Celebrated in 20 pasurams by Boothathalvar and Thirumangai Alvar, it is known in Sanskrit as Toyadri (Water Mountain).
According to legend, when Thirumangai Alvar arrived to sing mangalasasanam to the Lord, the hillock was completely encircled by raging floodwaters from monsoon rains. Unwilling to leave without darshan, the devoted Alvar camped at the nearby hill of Thirumudivakkam for six long months waiting for the water to recede. Pleased with his steadfast love, the Lord appeared as Neervannan (Lord of the Water-Hued Form) at the foothill, and revealed Himself in all four cosmic postures across the hill: Nindra Kolam (Neervannan standing at the base), Kidantha Kolam (Ranganatha reclining on the hill), Iruntha Kolam (Shantha Narasimha seated in meditation), and Nadandha Kolam (Trivikrama striding the universe).
Furthermore, Sage Valmiki, after composing the Ramayana, prayed here to behold the wedding form of Lord Rama and Sita. The Lord granted this wish at the foothill sanctum, where Neervannan stands adorned like the handsome prince of Ayodhya.
Architecture & Heritage
Dravidian Hill Architecture (Pallava period origins with structural stone works under Medieval Cholas (10th–12th century CE))
Toyagiri Vimanam, three-tier base Rajagopuram, 200-step stone staircase, Ksheera Pushkarini at hill foot.
Monolithic stone relief of Ulagalantha Perumal taking the cosmic stride atop the hill.
Rituals & Traditions
Four daily kalas per Vaikanasa Agama; split ritual schedules for base and hilltop sanctums.
Panguni Brahmotsavam for Neervannan and Chittirai Brahmotsavam for hilltop Ranganathar.
Ven Pongal, Puliyodarai, Sundal, Theertham.
Visitor Guidelines
Traditional clothing: Dhoti/Kurta for men; Saree or Chudidhar with Dupatta for women.
Foothill shrine is flat and fully wheelchair accessible; hilltop shrine requires climbing approximately 180 stone steps with handrails.
Frequently Asked Questions
🕉️ Divine Snapshot
Sri Neervanna Perumal & Sri Ranganatha (Four Divine Postures)
Animamalarmangai Thayar Sannidhi, Sri Ranganatha Sannidhi (Hilltop Reclining Shrine), Sri Shantha Narasimha Sannidhi (Hilltop Seated Shrine), Sri Trivikrama Sannidhi (Hilltop Striding Shrine), Sage Valmiki Sannidhi, Chakrathazhwar Sannidhi, Sri Ramanuja Sannidhi, Alvars Sannidhi
Thiruneermalai, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu
28, Mettu St, Tiruneermalai, Chennai, Tambaram, Tamil Nadu 600132
How to Reach
Chennai International Airport (MAA) (approx 9 km)
Pallavaram Railway Station (PV) (approx 4 km)
Thiruneermalai Bus Stop (approx 0.2 km)
