Thiruneermalai Temple
Ancient Divya Desam temple on a hill, showcasing Lord Vishnu in four divine postures. A spiritual journey with a rewarding climb.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

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Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Thiruneermalai Temple
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ancient Divya Desam temple on a hill, showcasing Lord Vishnu in four divine postures. A spiritual journey with a rewarding climb.
"One of the powerful Perumal temples, offering darshan in 3 ways: lying, standing, walking."
👟 Comfortable Footwear is a Must
The climb involves around 260 steps, so wear comfortable shoes for an easier ascent.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Carry water, especially during hot weather, as the climb can be tiring.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Four Forms of Vishnu
Hilltop Temple
Witness Lord Vishnu in four divine postures: standing, sitting, reclining, and walking. A unique spiritual experience.
Hilltop Ranganatha Temple
Summit
Ascend the steps to find the serene Ranganatha Perumal with his consort Ranganayagi in a reclining posture.
Neervanna Perumal Temple
Foot of the Hill
The lower shrine houses Neervanna Perumal in a standing posture, offering a different divine perspective.
Ancient Architecture
Entire Temple Complex
Admire the ancient Chola architecture, intricate carvings, and towering gopurams that speak of centuries of history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Climb for Blessings
Timing is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Comfortable Footwear is a Must
The climb involves around 260 steps, so wear comfortable shoes for an easier ascent.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Carry water, especially during hot weather, as the climb can be tiring.
⏰ Check Temple Timings
There are separate timings for the lower and upper temples. Plan accordingly.
🙏 Respectful Attire
Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, as is customary in temples.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Comfortable Footwear is a Must
The climb involves around 260 steps, so wear comfortable shoes for an easier ascent.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Carry water, especially during hot weather, as the climb can be tiring.
⏰ Check Temple Timings
There are separate timings for the lower and upper temples. Plan accordingly.
🙏 Respectful Attire
Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, as is customary in temples.
📸 Photography Etiquette
Be mindful of where photography is permitted. Some areas may restrict it.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Thiruneermalai Temple as a powerful and ancient Divya Desam, highlighting the unique experience of seeing Lord Vishnu in four postures. The serene atmosphere and the rewarding climb are frequently mentioned positives, though renovation work can sometimes be ongoing. The temple is considered a divine and clean place for family visits.
"Best place to visit lord perumal and it’s a oldest temple with divine place for all the family members they have a kovil prasadham of milagu idly and podi with various prasadham on Saturday very clean air to visit lord perumal inside a city of Chennai
10/09/2025 - Renovation work going on still you can visit temple for lord Perumal blessing and pray to get this renovation completed sooner"
nageswaran natarajan
"One of the Vaishnava Divya Desam temple. The main diety is appeared in four postures. Neervanna perumal, Ranganathar, Ulagalanda perumal and Bala narasimha. Its very old and one of the historic temple around Chennai. The Divya desam has two temples, one is Neervanna Perumal temple in the bottom of the hill and Ranganath temple on top of the hill. All the utsavas will be coducted to Ranganath perumal."
Surendranath Parisigani
"Devotional place
Powerful temple in 108 holy land temple of maha Vishnu
Vishnu give dharshan in 3 ways , lying,standing, walking.
Siva sculpture are draw around the ramar sanithi wall.
Showcase kannapa history"
சதீஷ் குமார்
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Thiruneermalai Temple is located about 16 kilometers southwest of Koyambedu. You can reach it by car or public transport, with a travel time of around 30-40 minutes from Koyambedu. Many visitors opt for a bike ride to enjoy the scenic route.
Yes, the temple is easily accessible by public transport from Chennai. Buses are available, and it's a popular destination for day trips from the city.
The temple is approximately 16 kilometers southwest of Koyambedu, a major transportation hub in Chennai.
While specific details on dedicated parking are scarce, visitors often find parking options near the temple entrance, especially for two-wheelers.
Absolutely! Thiruneermalai Temple is a perfect destination for a day trip from Chennai, offering a blend of spirituality and natural beauty.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is typically no entry fee to visit Thiruneermalai Temple. Donations are welcome to support the temple's upkeep and renovation efforts.
The temple generally opens from 8 AM to 12 PM and reopens from 4 PM to 8 PM. However, it's always advisable to check for any last-minute changes.
No, advance booking of tickets is not required for Thiruneermalai Temple as there is no entry fee. You can visit during the operating hours.
During major festivals like the Chitirai Thiruvizha, the temple might have extended hours or special darshan arrangements. It's best to inquire locally or check their official announcements.
The climb to the upper temple involves approximately 260 steps, which may be challenging for individuals with mobility issues. The lower temple is more accessible.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Thiruneermalai is a Divya Desam, one of the 108 holy abodes of Lord Vishnu. It's unique for showcasing Lord Vishnu in four postures: standing, sitting, reclining, and walking.
You'll need to climb approximately 260 steps to reach the Ranganatha Perumal temple at the top of the hill.
Yes, the temple is renowned for offering darshan of Lord Vishnu in standing (Neervanna Perumal), sitting (Shantha Narasimhar), reclining (Ranganatha Perumal), and walking (Ulagalandha Perumal) postures.
While the primary deity is Lord Vishnu, the walls around the Rama sannidhi feature Shiva sculptures, and the temple showcases Kannappa's history.
Being a Divya Desam means it's one of the 108 sacred temples revered by the Alvars, ancient Tamil poet-saints, dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The temple offers prasadam, including milagu idly and podi, especially on Saturdays. For a wider variety of dining options, you'll find restaurants and eateries in the surrounding areas of Chennai.
Visitors can enjoy temple prasadam such as milagu idly and podi. Other special prasadams might be available on specific days like Saturdays.
While the immediate vicinity might have limited options, the outskirts and nearby areas of Chennai offer a range of restaurants and food stalls catering to various tastes.
Generally, bringing your own food is permissible, but it's advisable to consume it in designated areas and maintain the sanctity of the temple premises.
Yes, the temple prasadam is considered sacred and is a popular choice for devotees. It's often praised for its taste and quality.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed in the outer premises and some parts of the temple, but it's often restricted inside the sanctum sanctorum. Always look for signage or ask temple authorities.
The panoramic views from the hilltop, the intricate gopurams, and the architectural details offer great photo opportunities. The steps leading up also provide a scenic backdrop.
Videography might have stricter restrictions than photography, especially in the inner sanctum. It's best to confirm with the temple administration before recording videos.
Drone usage is typically prohibited at religious sites due to privacy and security concerns. It's highly unlikely to be permitted.
Morning and late afternoon offer the best natural light for photography, avoiding harsh midday sun. The temple interiors can be dimly lit.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during cooler parts of the day, like early morning or late afternoon, to make the climb more comfortable for everyone. The historical and architectural aspects can be explained to children to make the visit more engaging. While photography is generally allowed in outer areas, be mindful of restrictions inside the sanctum.
🚶 Solo Travelers & Pilgrims
Engage with the local atmosphere, observe the rituals, and perhaps enjoy the temple's prasadam. The temple's historical significance and its role as a Divya Desam add depth to the pilgrimage. Be mindful of temple timings and dress modestly. The serene environment during off-peak hours is ideal for a peaceful visit.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Experiment with capturing the divine forms of Vishnu in their respective shrines, being mindful of any photography restrictions within the inner sanctum. The ancient inscriptions and the overall ambiance of the temple can be explored through detailed shots. Remember to check for any specific rules regarding drone photography, which is usually prohibited at religious sites.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Divine Forms of Lord Vishnu
This architectural and theological marvel allows devotees to experience the multifaceted nature of Lord Vishnu within a single complex. The historical significance is further enhanced by the presence of Chola inscriptions, though some are weathered. The temple's ancient roots are evident in its design and the spiritual aura that pervades the entire hill.
Beyond the primary Vishnu shrines, the temple complex also holds historical and cultural importance. It's noted that Shiva sculptures are drawn around the Rama sannidhi wall, and the temple showcases the history of Kannappa. Furthermore, Thiruneermalai has been a popular location for film shoots, adding a layer of cultural relevance to its divine status.
Navigating the Climb and Temple Layout
The temple complex is divided into two main parts: the Neervanna Perumal Temple at the foot of the hill and the Ranganatha Perumal Temple at the top. While the lower temple is more accessible, the hilltop shrine is where the utsavas (festivals) are primarily conducted. Visitors often start their pilgrimage at the lower temple before ascending to the upper shrine. The presence of both shrines allows for a comprehensive darshan experience, encompassing different divine forms and energies.
For those concerned about accessibility, the lower temple is generally easier to navigate. However, the spiritual significance and the unique experience of seeing the four forms of Vishnu are most fully realized by completing the climb to the upper temple. The temple authorities have made efforts to provide shelter along the steps, making the climb more comfortable for devotees.
Historical and Cultural Significance
Culturally, Thiruneermalai has also made its mark in the Tamil film industry. The scenic beauty and unique architecture of the temple and its surroundings have made it a sought-after location for shooting various scenes, particularly comedy sequences. This has further cemented its place in popular culture, making it recognizable to a wider audience.
The temple's spiritual significance is amplified by its unique representation of Lord Vishnu in four different postures, a rarity that draws devotees from far and wide. The blend of ancient religious practices, historical architecture, and its role in contemporary culture makes Thiruneermalai a multifaceted destination.
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