Thirukkarukavur Sri Mullaivananathar Temple, Thanjavur

Diety: 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 a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva located in Thirukarukavoor, Tamil Nadu, India.The temple is located 6 km (3.7 mi) east of Papanasam, 20 km (12 mi) south east of Kumbakonam, 10 km (6.2 mi) north of Saliyamangalam, 20 km (12 mi) north east of Thanjavur and on the southern bank of Vettar River.Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is believed to have been built during the Cholas period in the 7th century. Shiva is worshipped as Mullaivananathar and his consort Parvathi as Garbharakshambigai.The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the Nayanmars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam. A granite wall surrounds the temple, enclosing all its shrines. The temple has a five-tiered Rajagopuram, the gateway tower. The temple is located on the banks of Vennaru river. Thala Virutcham : Mullai Theertham : Paal Kulam

Puranic Significance

The temple has 31 inscriptions dating from the Chola period from the reigns of Koperi Varman, Rajaraja I, Rajendra Chola I and Kulothunga Chola. The inscriptions record the grants of the temple by the kings. The inscriptions are found on the walls of the temple, sanctum and also in the halls.The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu. The place is also called Tirukalavur, Mullaivanam, Mathavipuram and Garabapuri. Since Mathavi is the temple tree, it is called Mathavipuram (Mullaivanam); Karu means fetus, Ka means save and oor means village – Since fetus is believed to be saved by the temple deity, the village is called Tirukarukavoor. As per Hindu legend, a sage named Niruthuvar was living near the banks for river Vennar along with his wife Vedikai. One day, when the sage went out, another sage named Orthuvapathar arrived at their house seeking food. Vedika was pregnant then and due to tiredness, she was taking time to bring food. Orthuvapathar felt that the lady inside the house was humiliating her and he cursed her due to which the fetus was killed. Vedikai prayed to Ambigai for relief, who appeared as Garbharakshambigai and protected the fetus in a potThe child was born on the right time, who was named Naithruvan. From then on, the presiding deity is worshiped by people seeking child birth.

Beliefs

Majority of the devotees praying to Mother Karukatha Nayaki are women longing for a child after years of marriage. Many pray for safe delivery. Those facing menstrual and uterus problems and whose marriage is delayed pray to Mother for cure and happy results. Those suffering from skin diseases pray to Lord Mullaivana Nathar offering Punugu Chattam – a cosmetic paste. This practice is followed even now as experience proves the effect. Others pray for mental peace, job opportunities, progress in trade and promotions in positions.

Special Features

The temple has a 5-tier Rajagopuram and an outer prakaram(closed precincts of a temple). 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. There are separate shrines for Sekkizhar, Nalvar, Santhanachariar, Dakshinamurthy, Nrithivu Nayakkar, Arthanariswarar, Mahalakshmi, Arumugam, Brahma, Durga and Chandikeswarar. There are four water bodies associated with the temple. Sheerakundam (Parkulam) is the temple tank located opposite to the temple and the water is believed to be born out of the milk of Kamadenu, the sacred cow. Sathyakupam is a well located in between the shrines of Swami and Amman. Brahma Theertham is a tank located north east of the temple – Nataraja gives theerthavari during Karthigai Thivatharai in this tank. Vritha Kaveri is the branch of Kaveri, Vettaru (also called Mullivay) – the stepshore is the bank for many of the temple occasions. The temple tree, Mullai tree is located in between the Swami shrine and Chandikeswarar shrine. In 2020, a hall for Annadhanam was added by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Department, by the Government of Tamil Nadu.

Festivals

Adipooram and Navarathri uthsavam for Ambal, Annabishekam, Kanthasashti, Karthigai Mahadeepam, Karthigai Sunday theerthavari and Panguni Uthram are some of the prominent festivals celebrated.