Nemmeli is the small village near Thiruthani, at Thiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu.
It is believed that the temple is atleast 1100 years old.
As per the inscriptions, the temple is said to be built by the Pallava King Aparajitha Varma at the commencement of the 11th Century.
It is believed that the temple was later expanded by the King Krishna of Ishtraguda. It is believed that the royal lineage of Cholas, Pallavas and Vijaya Nagara Kings had worshipped at this temple.
It is also believed that Sage Sri Ramanuja Acharya had visited this temple on His way from Sriperumbudur to Thirupathi. Hence this temple is also called as Abhimana Sthalam.
As per puranic reference, Sage Narada once told Sri Narayana that he could not witness the baby boyish plays of Sri Krishna and asked Him to explain some of the plays.
Sri Vishnu replied that His favorite play was the dance done on Kalinga. Kalinga was a serpent in a pond purportedly causing havoc to the people of Gokulam by attacking whoever drinking water in it. Sri Krishna had gone into the pond to tackle the reptile. Kalinga had identified and understood who Sri Krishna was. He had requested Sri Krishna to dance on him.
However, to the onlookers at the bank, it appeared that Sri Krishna was doing angry dance on Kalinga. Hence, as a boon to Kalinga, Sri Krishna had granted that whoever witnesses and worships the Kalinga Narthana pose of Sri Krishna would be blessed with fulfillment of their wishes and desires.
In this temple, we get the blessing of worshipping Sri Kalinga Narthana Krishna.
The temple has a four tier Rajagopuram. On entrance, we get to see the Bali Peetam, Dhwaja Sthambam and Deepa Sthambam.
Beyond these, we get into the maha mandapam. Right behind the Dwajasthambam, we get the darshan of Sri Garudalwar.
The main sanctum is in the mandapam. The moolavar is Sri Vishnu Murthy being hailed as Sri Vaikunta Vasa Perumal. He is huge and in sitting position with four hands; the upper hands have chakra and shank; the chakra on the right hand is in aiming position which is called as prayoga chakra. The lower right hand is in Abhaya mudra and the lower left hand is in ahvana mudra, which means welcoming.
He is flanked by Sri Devi and Bhu Devi on either side. Both the Devis have paddy shoots in Their hand.
The Urchava Murthy is called as Sri Aparajitha and Sri Nithya Kalyana Perumal.
There is another Vigraha of Sri Kalinga Narthana Perumal in the main sanctum. It is considered auspicious to do special pooja to this vigraha on Rohini Star-days.
During perambulation, we get the darshan of Sri Suka Bhoga Ramar in a separate sanctum. Sri Rama is in Sukra Amsa. It is believed that worshipping Sri Rama here would bring progress in business.
There is another sanctum for Sri Sudrashana. It is believed that worshipping Sri Sudarshan would alleviate all ill health issues.
As the temple itself is Vaikunta Vasa Perumal temple, there is no separate swarga dwar.
All Ekadashi days including Vaikunta Ekadashi, Sri Rama Navami, Sri Krishna Janmashtami, Deepavali, Karthigai and Tamil new year day are celebrated at this temple.
There is a small moat behind the temple. The entire temple surrounding is calm and soothing. This place gives us positive vibes.
The temple is situated at a distance of 11 kilometers from Thiruthani towards Nagalapuram.
