Location:

The temple is located 6 km east of Papanasam, 20 km south east of Kumbakonam. The temple is situated in Thirukarugavur, TamilNadu.

About:

Garbharakshambigai Temple is a Hindu temple, an ancient temple of Lord Shiva; dedicated to Sri Mullaivananathar and Sri Garbarakshambigai Amman. Appar, Sundarar and Sambandhar, the three famous Nayanmaars have celebrated the glory of this temple in soul stirring verses.

The temple has a 5-tier Raja gopuram and an outer prakaram (closed precincts of a temple). There are inscriptions from Chola and King Koparakesarivarman. The temple is 460 ft by 284 ft and has a gopuram facing east and also has an entrance facing south. There is a garden in the southern side and a Vasantha Mandapam in the north.

The sanctum of Mullaivananathar is in the second precinct and the shrine of Amman is located parallel to the Swami shrine. The shrine is Nandi is located in front of Swami, with the Palipeeda and Dwajasthambam located right behind the Nandi. There is a Nataraja hall and a yagasalai. There are separate shrines for Natarajar, Somaskanda, Karpaga Vinayagar and Navagrahas.

Significance:

Every couples’ dream is to become a parent. Trust in this Goddess. She makes it possible. She embraces all, with her compassion and fulfills a women wish to conceive and also helps carrying her baby to full term without any hurdles along the way.

History says that,
Sri Garbarakshambigai Amman blessed her ardent devotee Vedhikai to conceive and when Vedhikai almost lost her fetus, Goddess Garbarakshambigai came to her rescue, protected her fetus and blessed her for safe delivery. Numerous devotees who long for a child have been blessed by this divine mother. The uniform experiences of the people who have been blessed by this divine deity are testimony of her benevolence. People from various countries and religions, who have difficulty in conceiving and delivery, pray to this divine Goddess for her benevolence and got blessed.

Sri Mullaivananathar Swamy is worshiped for better health. The Swamy here is swayambhu i.e, self manifested. Even today we can see the impression of mullai creeper over him. He is made up of hardened mud and there is no Abhishegam (Holy bath) for this God. Instead Punugu sattam is being offered on the Valarpirai Pradosham day, the 13th day after new moon(Sukla patcham Pradosham). This Punugu is believed to have healing power and it is being sent as prasadam for the peoples, who suffer due to incurable skin diseases, cardiac diseases and surgery.

Temple Timings:

7:00AM – 12:30PM
4:00PM – 8:30PM