Thiruneermalai Hill Temple , Chennai

There is this beautiful temple on the top of a hill around 20 kms from Chennai city and another one at the foothills. 

The temple am referring to here is the Thiruneermalai Ranganatha Temple which is among the 108 Divya Deshams and hence, quite an important one. 

Taking 200-250 steps may sound tiring but this one wasn't a difficult task at all. The steps up has enough landing space for the older folks who would like to rest ones in a while. Wish the surroundings were much better maintained. Its painful to see a lot of plastic strewn on either sides as we go up which otherwise would be a much better sight :(

The entrance to the main temple

This isn't a very big temple however attracts a lot of pilgrims. We got their around 5PM and by the time we reached up it was 5:30 (you have ample paid parking space at the foothills). We could finish the darshan in less than 15 min.

The temple has ample space for pradishnam. Inspite of the high temperature, this place is quite windy and that makes the visit quite pleasant. You can easily spend enough time enjoying the breeze.

The main city is behind the temple but what you see is Tambaram on one side and Maduravoyal on the other.


{ Pictures are taken by Veena }

Manjal - From M.Rm.Rm Foundation, Chennai

Today I am taking you to a beautiful store " Manjal" (a Chettinad craft and tradition unit in Chennai) by M.Rm.Rm Foundation, A non profit organization run by Ms. Visalakshi Ramaswamy.

The M.Rm.Rm Cultural Foundation’s motto is ‘Research, Document, Revive’, with craft preservation and revival rooted in artisan and community development. It works primarily with local village women to revive craft, while at the same time providing them with a reliable source of income, exposure and a tremendous amount of confidence.

Many in Chennai do not know where to get Chettinad Kottan products. I see that people enquire various websites, to know the available sources to get Kottan. You walk in to this store and your search should end . This is the place where you can grab such things.  Vibrant colour boxes are placed in every corner.

Colorful collection of all type of boxes in all shapes, baskets, coin/money purses, bottle holders in different shades etc add to the beautiful collection.

Vibrant collection and patterns of Chettinad Kottan  is a visual treat to the eyes. 

The traditional Palmyra basketry of Chettinad, kottans were once woven by the women of the Chettiar community but over the time, they slowly stopped being made. The Foundation has revived the craft in its original patterns by teaching it to a group of village women from Keelayapatti Village in Chettinad. The aim of the M.Rm.Rm Foundation  is to provide a dependable and sustainable source of income through this craft

These baskets are gaining great popularity both as packaging for gifts as well as a range of contemporary home accessories. The Natural dye has resulted in a whole new range of subtle earthy shades that are as exquisite as they are eco-friendly.

I have already added a few boxes to my home, a tissue box for my car. The Kottan today has found its place in the contemporary home.


Thanks to the people at Manjal for allowing me to feature of their lovely store in my blog.


They are located :

Manjal / M.Rm.Rm Foundation
No. 70, MRC Nagar Main Road, 
MRC Nagar, RA Puram, Chennai


FB link here



{ For images Contact Manjal}