Sri Ranganatha Perumal Temple

Sri Ranganatha Perumal Temple at Thiruneermalai is a picturesque Thondai Nadu Divya Desam situated on a rocky hill near Pallavaram on the outskirts of Chennai. "Thiruneermalai" means "the sacred hill of water" (Thiru + Neer + Malai), as the hill was once surrounded by water. The temple has the unique feature of housing the Lord in two sanctums — Sri Ranganatha in a reclining posture atop the hill and Sri Neervanna Perumal (the water-hued Lord) at the foot of the hill. Thirumazhisai Azhwar has an intimate connection with this temple — the legend states that he sang a pasuram requesting the reclining Lord to rise, and the Lord complied by turning His face toward the Azhwar. This miracle is remembered as "Sonnavannam Seydha Perumal" (the Lord who did exactly as told). The hilltop offers panoramic views and the rock-cut cave shrine shows Pallava dynasty influence in its architecture.