Thirukkarukavur Sri Mullaivananathar Temple, Thanjavur

Deity: Mullaivananathar, Amman: Garbarakshambigai
Temple Address: Thirukkarukavur  Sri Mullaivananathar Temple,Thirukkarukavur,Thanjavur  District,Tamil Nadu – 614 302. Tele: +91 4374 273 423, 273 502, 88700 58269, 97891 60819. PH:9486524626,04374-273423
Open between: 05:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 04:30 AM to 08:30 AM

Introduction

• Garbharakshambigai Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Thirukarukavoor, Tamil Nadu, India.
• Situated:
  • 6 km east of Papanasam
  • 20 km southeast of Kumbakonam
  • 10 km north of Saliyamangalam
  • 20 km northeast of Thanjavur
• Constructed in the Dravidian architectural style during the Chola period (7th century).
• Lord Shiva is worshipped as Mullaivananathar and Goddess Parvati as Garbharakshambigai.
• Revered in the Tevaram hymns by Nayanmars, classified as a Paadal Petra Sthalam.
• Temple features a five-tiered Rajagopuram (gateway tower).
• Located on the southern bank of the Vettar River.

Puranic Significance

• 31 inscriptions from the Chola period (Rajaraja I, Rajendra Chola I, Kulothunga Chola).
• Inscriptions detail grants made to the temple.
• Maintained by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of Tamil Nadu.
• Alternate names: Tirukalavur, Mullaivanam, Mathavipuram, Garabapuri.
• The name “Tirukarukavoor” means “village where the fetus is saved” (Karu – fetus, Ka – save, Oor – village).
• Legend: Sage Niruthuvar’s wife Vedikai was cursed by Sage Orthuvapathar, causing her fetus to be destroyed.
  • Goddess Garbharakshambigai protected the fetus in a divine pot.
  • The child, Naithruvan, was safely born.
  • Hence, the temple is a divine place for couples seeking childbirth.

Beliefs

• Women pray for childbirth, safe delivery, and relief from gynecological issues.
• Devotees with delayed marriages, skin diseases, and mental distress seek divine blessings.
• Lord Mullaivananathar is worshipped for healing skin diseases with a special Punugu Chattam (cosmetic paste).
• Other prayers include mental peace, job opportunities, business success, and career growth.

Special Features

• 5-tier Rajagopuram with an outer prakaram (temple courtyard).
• Temple dimensions: 460 ft by 284 ft.
• Entrance facing east, with another entrance facing south.
• Vasantha Mandapam (Hall) located on the northern side.
• Goddess shrine (Amman Sannidhi) is parallel to the Swami shrine.
• Nandi, Palipeeda, and Dwajasthambam are in front of the main sanctum.
• Separate shrines for deities:
  • Nataraja, Somaskanda, Karpaga Vinayagar, Navagrahas
  • Sekkizhar, Nalvar, Santhanachariar, Dakshinamurthy, Arthanariswarar
  • Mahalakshmi, Brahma, Durga, Arumugam, Chandikeswarar
• Four temple tanks:
  1. Sheerakundam (Parkulam) – Opposite the temple, created from Kamadenu’s sacred milk.
  2. Sathyakupam – Located between Swami and Amman shrines.
  3. Brahma Theertham – Used for Karthigai Theerthavari ritual.
  4. Vritha Kaveri (Vettaru) – A sacred branch of the Kaveri River used for temple rituals.
• Temple tree (Mullai tree) – Located between Swami and Chandikeswarar shrines.
• 2020 Update: A dedicated hall for Annadhanam was built by the Tamil Nadu Government.

Festivals

• Aadi Pooram – Dedicated to Goddess Ambal.
• Navaratri Utsavam – Celebrated for nine days.
• Annabishekam – Special anointing ritual for Lord Shiva.
• Kanda Sashti – Devotional event for Lord Muruga.
• Karthigai Deepam – Grand lighting festival.
• Karthigai Sunday Theerthavari – Holy bath ceremony.
• Panguni Uthiram – Important festival for Lord Shiva and Parvati.

Century/Period/Age

1000 to 2000 years old.

Saints and Singers

Appar, Sambandar, Sundarar

Managed By

Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE)

Best Time

10-12

Accommodation

Papanasam

Nearest Bus Station

Papanasam

Nearest Railway Station

Papanasam

Nearest Airport

Trichy

Location on Map

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