Thiruneermalai

Infobox Indian Jurisdiction
native_name = Thiruneermalai | type = city | latd = | longd =
state_name = Tamil Nadu
district = Kancheepuram
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population_as_of = 2001
population_total = 19,019| population_density =
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Thiruneermalai is a panchayat town in Kancheepuram district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is a hill, and the temple on that hill, outside the Indian city of Chennai. It is chiefly known for its extensive use in filming.

Demographics

As of 2001 India census, [GR|India] Thiruneermalai had a population of 19,019. Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Thiruneermalai has an average literacy rate of 79%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 84%, and female literacy is 74%. In Thiruneermalai, 11% of the population is under 6 years of age.

The temple is near Chennai. There are two temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu. One on the base of the hill and the other on top of the hill. Earlier this hill was surrounded by water when Thirumangai Azhwar visited the shrine. Hence it is called Thiruneermalai. It is one of the Divya desam. People need to climb steps to reach the hill top. It would be around 200 to 300 steps. On top of the mountain one could view the Pallavaram area.

The temple

The base Temple is dedicated to Lord Rama also known as Neervanan in a standing posture and temple up the hill has four shrines for Lord Ranganatha (Kidanthaan - in reclining posture), Animamalarmangai Thayaar, Trivikrama (Nadanthaan - in standing posture) and Lord Narasimha (Irundhaan - sitting posture). It is a double prakaram temple. Garuda shrine is present by facing the Lord. There could be around 200 steps to reach the temple top. It would be a wonderful view when reached at the top.

Legend

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, Sesha, Conch, Chakra as Lakshmana, Bharata and Shatruguna and Garuda as Hanuman. Sage Valmiki could view Lord Ranganatha, Lord Trivikrama and Lord Narasimha in the top temple.

Sri Neervanaswamy Mahatyam

Thiruneermalai is famous for marriages.

Prasadam

Puliyodharai(Tamarind Rice), Dhadhyonam(Curd Rice), Pongal, Chakkarai Pongal, Vada, Adhirasam, Murukku are offered to Lord as Prasadam.

Darshan, Sevas and Festivals

Panguni Uthiram and Chitrai Month are festival months.

Composers

Thirumangai Alvar ,Bhoothathalvar have composed beautiful Paasurams on Lord Neervannaswamy. It is one of the compositions in Naalayira Divya Prabandha.

Easy Paasuram to Learn(Tamil)

"Payinrath Arangam Thirukkotti Pannaal"

"Payinrathuvum Vengadame Pannaal Payinra"

"Thanithikazum Solaiya Nineer Malaiye"

"Manithikazum Vanthadakkai Maal."

Travel and Stay

The temple is near Chrompet, which is hardly 10 km from the Chennai Domestic Airport. A lot of Bus facilities are available.

List of Other Temples to Visit

Shiva Temples
* Kapaleeswarar Temple
* Marundeeswarar Temple
* Velliswarar Temple
* Thyagaraja Swamy Udanurai
* Udanurai Vadivudaiamman Temple
* Kalikambal Temple
* Kanchipuram Temples
* Kalahasti
* Aabathsahayeswarar Temple
* Adi Parasakthi Temple
* Agastheeswarar Temple
* Apparswamy Temple
* Shiva Vishnu Temple

Vishnu Temples
* Srinivasar Temple
* Kesavar Temple
* Madhavar Temple
* Thiruvidandai Lakshmi VarahaSwamy Temple
* AshtaLakshmi Temple
* Tiruneermalai
* Thirukadalmallai, Sthalasayana Perumal
* Tirumala Temples
* Tirupathi Temples
* Ananta Padmanabhaswamy Temple
* Bakthavatsala Perumal Temple, Thiruninravur
* Thirukkadigai, Sholingapuram
* Thiruevvul, Thiruvallur Veeraraghava Perumal Temple and Sri Viswaroopa Panchamukha Hanuman
* Parthasarathy Kovil, Triplicane

References

* [http://www.indian-heritage.org/tindex.html About Thiruneermalai]

External links

* [http://www.indiantemples.com/Tamilnadu/df061.html About Neelamugilvanna Perumal]
* [http://www.divyadesamonline.com/hindu/temples/chennai/tiruneermaialai-temple.asp DivyaDesam]