Thirukarukavur Garbarakshambigai Temple, Kumbakonam - Timings, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

At a distance of 20 km from Kumbakonam, Garbarakshambigai Temple is a revered Hindu temple situated in Thirukarukavur near Kumbakonam. It is one of the prominent places to visit in Kumbakonam.

Located on the banks of the beautiful Vennaru River, the Garbarakshambigai Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, revered here as Mullaivananathar, and his consort Parvathi, known as Garbarakshambigai. The principal deity is revered in the 7th-century Tamil Shaiva scripture - the Tevaram, composed by the Tamil saint poets referred to as the Nayanmars, and is recognized as a Paadal Petra Sthalam. This temple is also one of the five Pancha Aranya Sthalams, often referred to as Mullai Vanam, which translates to a jasmine garden.

It is believed that the temple was constructed during the Chola dynasty in the 7th century. There are 31 inscriptions from the Chola era, attributed to the reigns of Koperi Varman, Rajaraja I, Rajendra Chola I, and Kulothunga Chola. These inscriptions document the royal grants made to the temple and can be found on the temple's walls, sanctum, and various halls. Currently, the temple is maintained and overseen by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

The name Thirukarukavoor derives from the Tamil words Karu, meaning fetus; Ka, meaning to save; and oor, meaning village. This nomenclature reflects the belief that the temple deity safeguards the fetus. According to Hindu legend, a sage named Niruthuvar lived by the Vennaru River with his wife, Vedikai. One day, while the sage was away, another sage named Orthuvapathar visited their home seeking sustenance. At that time, Vedikai was pregnant and delayed in serving food due to fatigue. Misinterpreting her delay as disrespect, Orthuvapathar cursed her, resulting in the death of the fetus. In her distress, Vedikai prayed to Ambigai, who manifested as Garbharakshambigai and preserved the fetus in a pot. The child was eventually born and named Naithruvan. Since that time, the presiding deity has been venerated by those seeking to conceive.

The temple, designed in the Dravidian architectural style, features a five-tiered Rajagopuram oriented towards the east, along with an outer prakaram. A garden is situated on the southern side, while a Vasantha Mandapam is found to the north. The sanctum dedicated to Mullaivananathar, which houses a Swayambu lingam, is located in the second precinct, with the Amman shrine positioned parallel to the Swami shrine. In front of the sanctum lies the Nandi shrine. Additionally, there are distinct shrines for Nataraja, Somaskanda, Karpaga Vinayagar, and the Navagrahas. The temple tank, known as Sheerakundam (Parkulam), is located opposite the temple, and the water is said to have originated from the milk of Kamadenu, the revered cow.

Among the significant festivals celebrated at this temple are Vaikasi Visagam for Mullaivananathar, Adipooram, Navarathri Uthsavam for Ambal, Annabishekam, Kanthasashti, Karthigai Mahadeepam, and Panguni Uthram.

Timings: 6 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 8 PM

Entry: Free