Thiruneermalai

hmm, 4th of feb 2007, sunday afternoon, after a cup of coffee, my friend and i set up to visit a long planned destination, Thiruneermalai, a suburb in chennai.

The name 'Thiruneermalai' arises from the fact that there was a pool of water surrounding the hill when Thirumangai Alwar visited this abode. He had to wait for 6 long months before the water receded and the Alwar was able to sing in praise of the Lord.

Thiruneermalai is famous for the 4 postures of Lord Vishnu:

a) Ninran (Standing Posture): Neervanna Perumal with Animaamalar mangai Thayar as his consort in the 'Ninran' kolam is a separate temple at the foot hill
b) Irunthan (Sitting Posture): Shantha Narasimha Perumal is one of the deities in the praharam of the hill temple
c) Nadanthan (Walking Posture): Ulagalantha Perumal is one another deity in the praharam of the hill temple with one of his legs in the 'Aakash' symbolising the ThiruVikrama incarnation
d) Kidanthan (Sleeping Posture): Ranganatha Perumal is the presiding deity in the hill temple. He is seen with the 4 faced Bramha originating from the placenta 'thoppurkodi'. Shri Devi and Boo Devi are also seen. Legend has it that Valmiki offered his prayers to Lord Vishnu here and hence Valmiki is also seen. Ranganayaki Thayar, the consort of Rangantha Perumal has a separate sannadi in the hill temple.

Thiruneermalai is one among the 108 Divya Desams of Shri MahaVishnu and a place ought to visit. You get the nearest darshan to the lord with not much of crowd pullings. A personal vehicle will be the best for a comfortable travel.