Gnayiru Gramam Sri Pushparatheswarar Temple, Thiruvallur

Address

Gnayiru Gramam Sri Pushparatheswarar Temple, Gnayiru Gramam, Via Cholavaram, Thiruvallur District– 600 067 Phone: +91 44 2902 1016

Deity

Sri Pushparatheswarar Amman: Sornambigai

Introduction

• Location: Gnayiru Gramam Village, Thiruvallur District, Tamil Nadu, India
• Deity: Lord Shiva (Pushparatheswarar); Goddess Sornambigai
• Historical Significance: Believed to be 1000 years old; associated with Sundaramurthy Nayanar and Sangili Nachiyar.
• Revered Site: One of the ‘Pancha Bhaskara Sthalams,’ considered the prime among them.

Puranic Significance

• Legend:
  • Initially in dilapidated condition; renovated by Surya Trust (2003-2006).
  • Sanjana Devi (wife of Sun God) left him, creating a duplicate from her shadow.
  • Sun God prayed to Lord Shiva at Arunachaleswarar Temple, leading to blessings and a vision of a Linga in Gnayiru.
  • A Chola King, during his conquest, attempted to collect a lotus, accidentally injuring a Lingam, which became a holy site.
  • Sun God prayed for healing at this site, resulting in the creation of the Pushparatheswarar Temple.

Beliefs

• Surya Theertham: Believed to have medicinal powers, particularly for skin and eye diseases.

Special Features

• Temple Architecture:
  • East-facing temple with a 5-tiered Rajagopuram on the south side.
  • Maintained with flowering plants; Swayambu Moorthy (self-manifested Lingam) is small but revered.
• Lingam: Displays a scar from the King’s sword, visible under sunlight.
• Deities:
  • Niche idols include Vinayakar, Dhakshinamoorthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma, and Durgai.
  • Separate shrine for Goddess Sornambigai (5 feet tall).
• Significant Trees: Tiruvodu maram, used by Sanyasis for alms and believed to prevent viral infections.
• Sage Agasthiyar: Believed to have worshipped here; authored Adityahrudayam, a significant sloka for invoking strength.
• Final Resting Place: The final resting site of Kanva Maharishi, foster father of Shakuntala.

Festivals

• Major Celebrations: All Shiva-related festivals, including:
  • Pradoshams
  • Thai Pongal
  • Tamil New Year
  • Navarathri
• Special Rituals:
  • Sudarsana Homam conducted on the second and fourth Sundays of each month.

1000 Years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Gnayiru

Nearest Railway Station

Minjur Station

Nearest Airport

Chennai

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