Thiruneermalai Temple - Image 1
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Thiruneermalai Temple

4.8
·2k reviews·Chennai, India

Ancient Divya Desam temple on a hill, showcasing Lord Vishnu in four divine postures. A spiritual journey with a rewarding climb.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early Mornings

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdLow
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Thiruneermalai Temple - Image 1

Thiruneermalai Temple

Best Time

Early Mornings

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

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.

4.8
(2k reviews)

"One of the powerful Perumal temples, offering darshan in 3 ways: lying, standing, walking."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Four Forms of Vishnu

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

Hilltop Ranganatha Temple

Summit

Ascend the steps to find the serene Ranganatha Perumal with his consort Ranganayagi in a reclining posture.

Neervanna Perumal Temple

Neervanna Perumal Temple

Foot of the Hill

The lower shrine houses Neervanna Perumal in a standing posture, offering a different divine perspective.

Ancient Architecture

Ancient Architecture

Entire Temple Complex

Admire the ancient Chola architecture, intricate carvings, and towering gopurams that speak of centuries of history.

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Planning Your Visit

Climb for Blessings

Prepare for a climb of approximately 260 steps to reach the main deity at the hilltop temple. Wear comfortable shoes and carry water, especially during warmer months. The effort is rewarded with divine darshan and panoramic views.

Timing is Key

The temple has distinct timings for the lower and upper shrines. Check the specific hours for the Neervanna Perumal temple at the foot of the hill and the Ranganatha temple at the top to plan your visit effectively and avoid disappointment.

Best Times

When
Early Mornings
Why
Beat the heat and crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Late Afternoons
Why
Cooler temperatures, serene atmosphere
Crowd
Medium
When
Purattasi Month
Why
Special prayers and festivities
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#narayana #govinda #venkatesh #srinivas #perumal
@vkrish002
26.5K likes • 247.8K views

👟 Comfortable Footwear is a Must

The climb involves around 260 steps, so wear comfortable shoes for an easier ascent. Instagram

💧 Stay Hydrated

Carry water, especially during hot weather, as the climb can be tiring. Reddit

Sri Venkateswara swami🙏🏼🧡#foryoupage #fyp #blessed #kovil #fypシ #kovil #malaysia #venkateshwaraswami #mauritius #om #venkateshwaraswami
@n_seerungen
25.2K likes • 261.2K views
🙏🔥சென்னைல 4பெருமாள் கோவிலா🔥📍Neervanna Perumal temple , Thiruneermalai , Chengalpattu #trendingreels #travelblogger #travelgram #templesoftamilnadu #perumal #thirumala #tirupati #chennai #chennaites #tamilnadutourism #templesofsouthindia #sholinghur #srirangam #thirukovilur
malaikatturaja
58.1K likes • 2M views

⏰ Check Temple Timings

There are separate timings for the lower and upper temples. Plan accordingly. Instagram

🙏 Respectful Attire

Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, as is customary in temples. TikTok

Perumal temple 🙏 Location: Thiruneermalai📍 ✅There are two temples one at the foot hill and other at the top. You have to climb about 260 steps to get the blessings of perumal🙏 ✅Video list here is the top hill temple Timings: 8am to 12pm, 4pm to 8pm #perumal #perumaltemple #tirupati #thiruneermalai #lordperumal #perumalsongs #lordvishnu #perumalmurugan #perumalstatus #spb #trendingreels #tami...
man_oh_edge
3.3K likes • 57.1K views

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. Instagram

💧 Stay Hydrated

Carry water, especially during hot weather, as the climb can be tiring. Reddit

⏰ Check Temple Timings

There are separate timings for the lower and upper temples. Plan accordingly. Instagram

🙏 Respectful Attire

Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, as is customary in temples. TikTok

📸 Photography Etiquette

Be mindful of where photography is permitted. Some areas may restrict it. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.8
(2k reviews)

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

Four forms of Vishnu
Ancient Divya Desam
Rewarding climb

What People Dislike

Renovation work

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. Instagram+1

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. Instagram

The temple is approximately 16 kilometers southwest of Koyambedu, a major transportation hub in Chennai. Instagram

While specific details on dedicated parking are scarce, visitors often find parking options near the temple entrance, especially for two-wheelers. Instagram

Absolutely! Thiruneermalai Temple is a perfect destination for a day trip from Chennai, offering a blend of spirituality and natural beauty. Instagram+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is typically no entry fee to visit Thiruneermalai Temple. Donations are welcome to support the temple's upkeep and renovation efforts. Reddit

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. Instagram

No, advance booking of tickets is not required for Thiruneermalai Temple as there is no entry fee. You can visit during the operating hours. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

🎫 🧭 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. InstagramReddit

You'll need to climb approximately 260 steps to reach the Ranganatha Perumal temple at the top of the hill. Instagram

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. Reddit

While the primary deity is Lord Vishnu, the walls around the Rama sannidhi feature Shiva sculptures, and the temple showcases Kannappa's history. Reddit

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. Instagram+1

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. Reddit

Visitors can enjoy temple prasadam such as milagu idly and podi. Other special prasadams might be available on specific days like Saturdays. Reddit

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

Yes, the temple prasadam is considered sacred and is a popular choice for devotees. It's often praised for its taste and quality. Reddit

📸 📸 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. Instagram

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. Instagram+1

Videography might have stricter restrictions than photography, especially in the inner sanctum. It's best to confirm with the temple administration before recording videos. Instagram

Drone usage is typically prohibited at religious sites due to privacy and security concerns. It's highly unlikely to be permitted. Instagram

Morning and late afternoon offer the best natural light for photography, avoiding harsh midday sun. The temple interiors can be dimly lit. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Visiting Thiruneermalai Temple with family can be a rewarding experience, though the climb requires consideration. The steps to the upper temple are manageable for older children, but younger ones might need to be carried or require assistance. Instagram The lower temple offers a more accessible option for families with very young children or those with mobility concerns. The temple's prasadam, like milagu idly, can be a hit with kids. Reddit Ensure everyone stays hydrated and takes breaks during the ascent. The panoramic views from the top can also be a fun reward for the little ones. Reddit

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. Instagram

🚶 Solo Travelers & Pilgrims

Thiruneermalai Temple is an excellent destination for solo travelers seeking spiritual solace and a connection with history. The climb up the steps offers a meditative experience, allowing for personal reflection. Instagram The divine presence of Lord Vishnu in four forms provides a profound spiritual encounter. Reddit You can easily reach the temple via public transport from Chennai, making it a convenient solo excursion. Instagram

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. InstagramReddit Be mindful of temple timings and dress modestly. The serene environment during off-peak hours is ideal for a peaceful visit.

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photography enthusiasts, Thiruneermalai Temple offers a compelling blend of spiritual architecture and natural vistas. The towering gopurams, intricate carvings, and the steps leading up the hill provide excellent framing opportunities. Instagram+1 The panoramic views from the summit are particularly stunning during sunrise and sunset, offering a chance for breathtaking landscape shots. Instagram

Experiment with capturing the divine forms of Vishnu in their respective shrines, being mindful of any photography restrictions within the inner sanctum. Instagram 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. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Divine Forms of Lord Vishnu

Thiruneermalai Temple is a unique spiritual destination, revered as one of the 108 Divya Desams, sacred abodes of Lord Vishnu. What sets it apart is the presence of the Lord in four distinct postures across its different shrines. At the foot of the hill, the Neervanna Perumal Temple showcases Lord Vishnu in a standing posture. Ascending the approximately 260 steps leads you to the hilltop temple, where you can find Ranganatha Perumal in a serene reclining posture, accompanied by his consort Ranganayagi. Also on the hill, Shantha Narasimhar is found in a sitting posture, and Ulagalandha Perumal (Thiruvikramar) represents the walking posture. This multi-form divine presence makes Thiruneermalai a significant pilgrimage site for devotees seeking blessings in various aspects of the Lord's grace. InstagramReddit

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. Instagram

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. InstagramReddit

Navigating the Climb and Temple Layout

The journey to the main deity at Thiruneermalai Temple involves a climb of about 260 steps, a significant feature for visitors. These steps are well-maintained and often covered, providing shelter from the sun. InstagramReddit It's recommended to wear comfortable footwear and carry water, especially during warmer months, to make the ascent more manageable. The effort is widely considered worthwhile, offering not just spiritual fulfillment but also rewarding views from the summit. Reddit

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. Reddit 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. Instagram

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. Reddit

Historical and Cultural Significance

Thiruneermalai Temple boasts a rich history, with evidence suggesting it is over 2000 years old and built during the Chola period. Instagram+1 Its designation as one of the 108 Divya Desams underscores its profound importance in Vaishnavism, a major tradition within Hinduism that worships Lord Vishnu. The temple's ancient inscriptions, though partially weathered, offer glimpses into its past and the patronage it received. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

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