The Temple is located in a village called Gnayiru in Ponneri Taluk of Thiruvallur District.  This is one of the Navagraha Sthalam and the Temple is dedicated to Surya Bhagawan or Sun God.  The Presiding Deity is Pushparatheswarar who is an incarnation of Lord Shiva.  Close to the Sanctum Sanctorum there are Vigrahams or Idols for Surya Bhagwan, Kaala Bhairavar and Urchavar Natarajar.  In earlier days a Chola King strayed to this place and on seeing a Lotus flower wanted to pluck it but could not do so even after several attempts. He got wild and drew his sword and cut the Lotus flower but was astounded to see it bleeding from the stem and simultaneously the King lost his vision too.  Pondering over his mistake he Prayed and pleaded to Lord Shiva who appeared before Him and gave back the lost vision to the King.  Hence remembering the Lotus incident this King built a Temple for Shiva and named the Presiding Deity as Pushparatheshwarar, in memory of Shiva and the Lotus flower.   The Consort of Pushparatheswarar is called as Swarnabigai Ambal.  She Blesses Her Devotees from a separate Sub Shrine and there are Sub Shrines for Kanva Maharishi, Bala Ganapathy, Narthana Ganapathy, Dhakshinamoorthy, Lingothbhavar, Kamala Vinayagar, Brahmma, Durgai, Chandikeshwarar, Kasi Viswanathar and Valli Devasena Samedha Subramaniyar.  Gnayiru is the birth place of Sangili Nachiyar.  There is a Sub Shrine for Naga Devathas beneath a Nagalinga Tree.  This place is worshipped as Pancha Baskara Sthalam.  It is built on the banks of River Kosasthalai Aaru.  The Temple has a huge compound wall and fitted with a strong gate.  There is a Pushkarani or a Sacred Tank opposite to the Temple and it is called as Surya Theertham. The Sthala Viruksham is Senthamarai which is left to float in an artificial pond in commemoration of the King and the Lotus incident.  Oil lamps cannot be lit at all places and they have earmarked the place with a metal stand for lighting Camphors, Oil Lamps etc. The Temple has a small Temple car or a Chariot.  Within the Temple complex there is a Thiruvodu Maram near the Sangili Nachiyar Sub Shrine and Devotees come and Pray here.  There is an Annadhana Koodam where free Prasadam is distributed to all Devotees coming here. This Temple is a much sought after Temple for the partially blind and blind people to bring back their lost vision. They have planned to bring a Bus Terminus next to the Temple which would be of immense help to Devotees coming from far flung areas.  

Contact Details: Krishnaswamy Gurukkal 99522 24822, 044 2902 1016 and 99620 34729

Temple Timing: 8 AM to 12 Noon and 4.30 PM to 7.30 PM

Distance from Ponneri to Gnayiru is 20 Kms

Distance from Thiruvottiyur to Gnayiru is 25 Kms

Distance from Siruvapuri to Gnayiru is 21 Kms

Distance from Devadanam to Gnayiru is 17 Kms

Distance from Avadi to Gnayiru is 36 Kms

Distance from Thirumazhisai to Gnayiru is 39 Kms

Distance from Ambathur to Gnayiru is 27 Kms

Distance from Sriperumbudur to Gnayiru is 58 Kms

Distance from Periyapalayam to Gnayiru is 26 Kms

Distance from Thiruvallur to Gnayiru is 48 Kms

Distance from Thirupachur to Gnayiru is 50 Kms

Distance from Thiruvalangadu to Niayiru is 64 Kms

Distance from Uthukkottai to Niayiru is 44 Kms

Distance from Guduvancheri to Niayiru is 65 Kms

Distance from Kancheepuram to Niayiru is 92 Kms

Distance from Thakkolam to Niayiru is 82 Kms

Distance from Thirumalpur to Niayiru is 98 Kms

Distance from Thiruthani to Niayiru is 86 Kms

Distance from Arakkonam to Niayiru is 79 Kms

Distance from Chennai to Gnayiru is 31 Kms

Nearest Railway Station Ponneri R.S.

For any Suggestions in the Website: T.Ragavachari  98411 40126