We’ve become utterly engrossed in this project, to the point that whenever someone invites us over or we need to run an errand, our first instinct is to check for nearby temples. We had an errand to run near Tambaram, and we seized the opportunity to visit two temples. The first stop on our journey was Thiruneermalai.

Thiruneermalai is a Divya Desam nestled on the outskirts of our city. The temple consists of two parts: one at the base of the hill, dedicated to the standing posture of Lord Neervannan (Ninraan). Here, you’ll find shrines for his consort, Animamalar Mangai Thayar, Kalyana Ramar, and Andal. As you climb the hill, there’s a shrine for Anjaneya (Hanuman) to the right. The ascent involves about 250 steps, all of which are sheltered. 

At the hill’s summit, the temple complex unfolds, featuring three shrines: one for Lord Ranganatha (Kidanthaan – reclining posture), another for Trivikrama-Ulagalanda Perumal (Nadanthaan – walking posture), and yet another for Lord Shantha Narasimha (Irundhaan – sitting posture), along with a shrine for Ranganayaki Thayar. The Garuda shrine faces the Lord, and the panoramic view from the hilltop is simply breathtaking.