Ranganatha Temple, Thiruneermalai

Ranganatha Temple is a Hindu temple in Thiruneermalai, a suburb of Chennai, India. While the Sthalathipadi (presiding deity) is Neervanna Perumal, all utsavams (Celebrations) are for Lord Ranganatha. 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 – in 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.

Aerial view of the Ranganatha swamy temple, taken from top of the hill
Sri Ranganathaswami Temple atop the Holy Hill

Two Bramhotsavams and Uttiram (Birth star of mother goddess) are celebrated. Bramhotsavam of Neervanan is held in the Tamil month of Panguni (mid March – mid April) and for Rangantha Perumal in the month of Chittirai (mid April – mid May). While Panguni uttiram is celebrated for Ranganayaki Thayar, Masi Uttiram is the Birth star of Animamalar Mangai, the consort of Neervanna Perumal.

The temple rituals are conducted as per Vaikanasa Agamam.

Legend
Flag staff at Sri Ranganathaswamy temple on hill top

Brahmanda Purana refers this place Toyatri, meaning a mountain surrounded by water. Thiruneermalai, the modern Tamil name also means a sacred mountain surrounded by water. Among the eight sacred Vishnu temples where he manifested himself called "Ashtaswayamvaka Kshetra". As per Hindu legend, sage Valmiki, after composing the epic Ramayana, worshipped Ranganatha at the top of the hill. When he came downhills, he wanted to have a view of Rama, who appeared for the devotee. Lakshmi appeared as Sita, Adi Seshan appeared as Lakshmana, Vishnu's shankha as Bharatha, sudarshana chakra as Shatrugun and Garuda in the form of Hanuman.[1]

History

The temple has lot of inscriptions from the Chola and later Pandyas, indicating generous contributions to the temple.[1]

Architecture
Sri Neervannaperumal Temple at the foot of the hill
Steps to Holy Hill

There are two temples, one at the top of the hill and other in the foothills. In all, the temple occupies an area of 15 acres (6.1 ha), with the lower shrine covering 3 acres (1.2 ha). The presiding deity of the temple in the foothills is Neervana Perumal in standing posture. Ranganatha is the presiding deity uphills and the shrine, vimana above the sanctum is called Ranga Vimana. There are images of Trivikrama and Narasimha around the first precinct. The temple tank is called ksheera Pushkarini and it is believed to feed the waters of Vaikunta, the Ocean of Milk. Karunya Pushkarini is the second tank, which is believed to have formed from the weeping of Narasimha, who was moved by the divine prayers of Prahalad. There are two tanks called Swarna Pushkarini and Siddha Pushkarini.[1]

Religious importance

As per a legend, Thirumangai Azhwar was held up in the top of the mountain for six months as the place was surrounded by water. Thirumangai Azhwar has glorified the temple highlighting the unique aspect of the temple where Vishnu is seen in four different poses of Standing (Neervana Perumal), Lying (Sriranganathar), Sitting (Narasimha) and walking (Trivikrama). Bhoothath Azhwar also composed hymns praising the temple.[1]

Acccesibility

There are MTC buses to Thiruneermalai from Poonamallee, Kundrathur, Pallavaram, Tambaram.

Darshan, Sevas and Festivals

Bramhotsatavams: Panguni and Chittirai Uttiram Masi (Animamalar mangai Thayar) and Panguni (Ranganayaki Thayar) Rathasapthami Thirunakstrams of Azhwars and Acharyans Pavitrotsavam

Temple Timings: 8 AM -12 Noon and 4PM - 8 PM

Composers

Thirumangai Alvar and Bhoothathalvar have composed several paasurams (hymns) on Lord Neervannaswamy. These compositions are part of the Naalayira Divya Prabandha.

See also

References
  1. C., Chandramouli (2003). Temples of Tamil Nadu Kancheepuram District. Directorate of Census Operations, Tamil Nadu.

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