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Details About Garbarakshambigai Amman and Garbarakshambigai Temple

Location of the Temple

This temple is located in the fertile land of Thanjavur also known as the 'Rice Bowl of India'.

The exact location of the temple is in Papanasam taluk of Thanjavur district and it is 20 kilometres east of Thanjavur Town and 20 kilometres South West of Kumbakonam.

Route Map to The Temple:

Address

The Executive Officer, Arulmigu Mullai Vananathar Thirukkoil, Thirukkarugavur (P.O), Papanasam Tk., Thanjavur Dt. 614 302

How to reach the temple

By Air:

The nearest airport is Tiruchirapalli (Trichy) which is 85 km's away.

From Tiruchirapalli, one can take a taxi to the temple. If one is planning to visit the temple only a day after reaching Tiruchirapalli then one can stay overnight at either Thanjavur or Kumbakonam before proceeding to the temple the next morning.

There are excellent hotels that provide accommodation at both Kumbakonam and Thanjavur. The temple is about 25 km's from both Thanjavur and Kumbakonam and it takes about a half-hour to reach the temple. Several means of transportation can get you from Thanjavur/Kumbakonam to the temple that is in Thirukarukavur village Papanasam District.

By Train:

The nearest railway station is Papnasam at a distance of 6.5 km's.

The railway stations of Thanjavur and Kumbakonam can be used as destination stations. The temple is about 25 km's from both Thanjavur and Kumbakonam and it takes about a half-hour to reach the temple. Several means of transportation can get you from Thanjavur/Kumbakonam to the temple that is in Thirukarukavur village Papanasam District.

By Bus:

Thanjavur to Thirukarukavur: Route Numbers: 16, 24, 34 and 44

Kumbakonam to Thirukarukavur: Route Numbers: 11 and 29

By Car:

We have provided the Google map route above. Thirukarukavur is situated in the following co-ordinates (10.86N, 79.27E). Smart Phone users may utilize this information. Apart from that various auto-rickshaws and share autos are available from Papanasam Bus stop. The auto fare costs around Rs.60 to Rs.80 while share auto cost around Rs.5 to Rs.10.

Procedure to be followed while visiting the temple

The temple functions from 5:30am - 12:30pm and then again from 4:00pm - 8:30pm.

Arranging for any kind of puja is simple and straightforward. You will not need any assistance. The visiting couple or person can offer pujas at any time when the temple is open. It can take anywhere between 15 minutes – 2 hours to offer pujas depending on the crowd. The temple is usually more crowded on Sundays and devotees who do not have much time should avoid visiting on Sundays. However,

The visiting couple or person can offer pujas at any time when the temple is open. It can take anywhere between 15 minutes – 2 hours to offer pujas depending on the crowd. The temple is usually more crowded on Sundays and devotees who do not have much time should avoid visiting on Sundays. However,

The speciality of this temple is that every day here is considered an auspicious day for puja; there are no special days for offering pujas. However, many devotees do believe that offering pujas in the month of Margazhi are considered to be luckier for people who want to conceive.

All necessary puja items are available just outside the temple. Facilities are available to offer Abishegam, placing children up to 5 years of age in the Golden Cradle, ear piercing, an offering of hair and Thulabaram.

Abishegam is performed from Monday – Saturdays only in the mornings. There are no Abishegams in the evenings, on Sundays and other festival days. If you are planning to offer a saree then you should carry the saree with you. If you plan to offer Thulabaram it is better to contact the temple beforehand to check availability.

If you are planning to offer a saree then you should carry the saree with you. If you plan to offer Thulabaram it is better to contact the temple beforehand to check availability.

Dress Code: Men and women devotees are encouraged to wear traditional attire. However, men

Men and women devotees are encouraged to wear traditional attire. However, men in shirts and trousers are permitted to enter the temple.

Women devotees can wear either sarees or salwar kameez at the temple. During my visits, I have also noticed a few women devotees wearing jeans and other western attire. The temple management does not seem to have a problem with this. However, this can change with a change in management. To be on the safer side it is best to go in Indian attire.

During my visits, I have also noticed a few women devotees wearing jeans and other western attire. The temple management does not seem to have a problem with this but this can change with a change in the management. To be on the safer side it is best to go in Indian attire.

If devotees cannot travel they can get the ghee or oil prasadam by ordering online

Some Additional Tips

• The approach road is in good condition and the Temple is clean and well maintained
• Ample parking facilities available beside the temple.
• Cost of puja basket with coconut, bananas, flowers Rs.180- 250
• There are no big/good restaurants close by. You can eat the Annadanam at the temple or carry your own food. The temple Annadanam is tasty and is highly recommended.
• Accommodation will be available only at Kumbakonam or Thanjavur. There may be a few small lodges close by but no hotels.
• Fuel: Make sure you have sufficient fuel when visiting this temple. No petrol stations close by. Petrol can be found at Papanasam about 6 km away.

Different ways of offering thanksgiving at the temple:

1. Abishegam:

Abishegams are offered in the morning hours at the temple every day of the week except Sundays and other festival days.

The abishegams are offered at 8:00 am. There are no evening abishegams. If you are interested in offering an abishegam you will have to be present in the temple half an hour prior to the abishegam time.

2. Head Tonsuring and Ear Boring

With prior intimation to the temple, it is possible for you to tonsure your baby’s hair at the temple. It is also possible to avail the services of a goldsmith and have the baby’s ears pierced.

3. Sandana Kaapu (Offering of sandalwood paste to Garbarakshambigai Amman):

Adorning the Goddess with sandalwood enhances Her beauty and leaves the visiting devotees spellbound. If you would like to witness this spectacle then you should visit the temple on Friday evenings when Amman is covered with sandalwood paste and Her supreme beauty is further enhanced.

If you would like to offer this service you can do so paying the charges of Rs.5000 at the temple.

The cost is Rs.5000 for both Indian and overseas devotees and you are requested to contact the Temple office for the date of booking.

4. Thulabharam

As is the custom in other major South Indian temple devotees, in Garbarakshambigai Temple too devotees can offer Thulabaram. The devotees will have to sit on one side of the weighing scale and their offerings (ghee, oil, food, grains, currency, gold, silver etc.) can be placed on the other side equalling their body weight.

These offering will then be used by the temple administration. Surplus materials donated in Thulabaaram are being sold to devotees during Sundays at subsidized rates under auction.

5. Thanga Thottil - Thanksgiving by Placing Baby in Golden Cradle

Thousands of devotees who visit the temple are blessed by Amman. When their prayers are answered and they like to express their gratitude.

Most couples visit the temple after the birth of their child; as a way of expressing their gratitude and also obtaining blessings for the child they can place the child in a Tanga Thottil and go around the Garbarakshambigai Amman Praharam.

Children up to 5 years of age can be placed in the Thanga Thottil. The charges for placing the child in the thottil is Rs.550/- and this can be paid at the office. This service can be availed in the morning and during the evenings.

The Thanga Thottil is not really made of gold but it does have a silver covering. Devotees are encouraged to express their gratitude by returning with the child and placing the child in the Thanga Thottil.

Video of Thanga Thottil:

6. Lighting Lamps and Offering Saree to Amman

In this temple, people who pray for pregnancy, are advised to light up eleven lamps (one for Sri. Vinayagar, one for the Lord Mullaivananathar and nine for Almighty Sri. Garbarakshambigai) and who pray for safe delivery are advised to light 5 lamps (one for Sri. Vinayagar, one for the Lord Mullaivananathar and three for Almighty Sri. Garbarakshambigai).

7. Feeding cows and goats in and around the temple

8. Offering Annadanam – the highest form of thanksgiving

Annadanam is one of the highest offerings according to Hindu philosophy. It is one of the best ways of expressing your gratitude to the divine.

The temple is situated in a small village where there are no big restaurants. The Temple offers Annadanam to 100 devotees on a daily basis.

If you are visiting the Temple then do part-take of the meal as it is a superior form of prasadam.

Puja Procedure for Ghee Prasadam and Instructions to Take Ghee Prasadam

The ghee prasadam has to be taken by the couple who are trying to conceive.

When you visit the temple for ghee prasadam the procedure to obtain it is simple and straightforward. You will first have to procure the puja items and the ghee prasadam.

The puja items are available just outside the temple and the ghee prasadam is available inside the temple at the counter near the administrative office. Once this is done you can go directly and have darshan of Lord Mulaivananathar. After offering pujas at the Shiva sannidhi you can then move on to the Amman

Once this is done you can go directly and have darshan of Lord Mulaivananathar. After offering pujas at the Shiva sannidhi you can then move on to the Amman sannidhi.

Once you have finished the archanai, the priest will instruct you to smear some ghee on the steps of the sannidhi.

The ghee prasadam that you got will be placed at the feet of Amman and returned to you at the end of the puja.

The couples can then go outside and buy ghee lamps at the counter and light 11 lamps as an offering to Ambal.

If the couple feels like they can offer other additional offerings at the temple like Annadanam, Thulabaram, Tonsuring of hair etc.

Once the couple returns home, they will have to take the prasadam for a period of 48 days. There are instructions from the temple on how the couples must take the prasadam.

If a couple cannot visit the temple personally it is ok to get the prasadam through other people.

In the period of these 48 days, it is good if the couple can recite the Garbarakshambigai mantras. If time permits the mantras can be chanted 108 times after morning or evening puja. If there is insufficient time then please chant as many times as is possible for you.

You can listen to and download the audio songs of Garbarakshambigai Amman.

Please note that there are no other rules for chanting mantra. Please chant as you would chant any other mantra/sloka in the presence of Amman’s photo or keeping Amman’s thoughts in your mind.

You can read testimonials of people who have taken ghee prasadam here

You can order the ghee prasadam online here.

Puja Procedure for Oil Prasadam and Instructions for Using Oil Prasadam

The oil prasadam has to be used by pregnant women who want safe pregnancy and easy delivery.

When you visit the temple for oil prasadam the procedure to obtain it is simple and straightforward. You will first have to procure the puja items and the oil prasadam. The prasadam is a small bottle of castor oil.

You will first have to procure the puja items and the oil prasadam. The prasadam is a small bottle of castor oil.

The puja items are available just outside the temple and the oil prasadam is available inside the temple at the counter near the administrative office. Once this is done you can go directly and have darshan of Lord Mulaivananathar. After offering pujas at the Shiva Sannidhi you can then move on to the Amman Sannidhi.

Once this is done you can go directly and have darshan of Lord Mulaivananathar. After offering pujas at the Shiva Sannidhi you can then move on to the Amman Sannidhi.

During archanai the priest will place your oil bottle at the feet of Amman and return it to you. The couples can then go outside and buy ghee lamps at the counter and light 5 lamps as an offering to

You must then go outside and buy ghee lamps at the counter and light 5 lamps as an offering to Ambal.

If the couple feels like the can offer other additional offerings at the temple like Annadanam, Thulabaram, Tonsuring of hair etc.

The prasadam is usually obtained in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy. If the woman cannot travel during that time then she can obtain the prasadam through other people.

There are no food restrictions while taking the prasadam. The woman can continue taking nonvegetarian food. The complete list of instructions for using oil prasadam is mentioned at the temple.

During the period of the pregnancy, it is good if the women can recite the Garbarakshambigai mantras. If time permits the mantras can be chanted 108 times after morning or evening puja. If there is insufficient time then please chant as many times as is possible for you.

You can listen to and download the audio songs of Garbarakshambigai Amman. These audio shlokas and songs are very powerful with excellent vibrations for your unborn child.

Please note that there are no other rules for chanting mantra. Please chant as you would chant any other mantra/sloka in the presence of Amman’s photo or keeping Amman’s thoughts in your mind.

You can read testimonials of people who have taken oil prasadam here

You can order the oil prasadam online here.

Puja Procedure for Punugu Sattam

This prasadam is used to help cure skin diseases, cardiac diseases, and other health conditions. Lord Mulaivananathar is renowned for his powers to heal people. At this temple, he is worshipped as the Lord of health. As this is a

As this is a swayambu lingam made of mud it is not possible to offer abishegam here and hence the priests do the abishegam with punugu sattam. This

This punugu satta is offered to devotees as prasadam for health conditions; particularly skin diseases, cardiac problems and other surgical conditions.

It has to be noted that the punugu satam is not always offered to Lord Mulaivanathar. It is offered on the 11th day after the new moon. This day is also called the Valarpirai Pradosham.

Once devotees obtain the punugu sattam they can apply small quantities on the affected parts of their bodies after taking a bath and offering puja at home.

Origin of the Temple:

The significance of The Temple:

A majestic and magnificent form of Shakti, Goddess Garbharakshambika is responsible for granting the boon of motherhood to childless women, protecting women with uterus related disorders, and protecting the unborn babies of pregnant women.

Thousands of devotees across all regions, sects and religions visit the temple everyday to pay homage to Her.

Who should offer prayers at the Garbarakshambigai Amman?

             Childless people trying to conceive

             Pregnant women who want a safe pregnancy and easy delivery

             Unmarried women also pray here for their marriages

Who should offer prayers to Lord Mulaivananathar?

             People with incurable diseases

             People with skin disorders

             People who want good health

The uniform experience of the people of these parts bears unfailing testimony to the powers of the deities of this Temple. The inhabitants of the village vouch for the fact, that within living memory, there has been no case of fatality to the mother or child during confinement.

Pregnant women from elsewhere come here and pray to the God and Goddess for a safe childbirth. No one in this place has ever had a miscarriage or pregnancy problem. It is at a place like this that one can understand what "Divine Presence" is.

The Story of Garbarakshambigai Amman

Garbarakshambigai Amman is the foremost fertility Goddess of India. She is renowned for her powers to bless couples with children and also safeguard pregnancies and ensure easy delivery. In short she has the powers to bless every aspect of childbearing.

For over a thousand years Saints like Appar, Sundarar and Campantar have recited the glories of this Amman as early as the 7th century in the 12 volume Saiva canonical works. Other literary works like the Periya Puranam by Sezhkizhar also mention the glory of this temple and the Amman here.

The story of Garbarakshambigai Amman dates back to the ages when saints lived and performed penances in forests. In a place called Mullai Vanam (Jasmine Garden), two sages Gouthama Muni and Gargeya Muni lived in an ashram. They were served by a couple by the name of Nidhruva and Vedikai. This couple had no children and were prayed to the sages to guide them and Vedikai had a great urge to become a mother. The sages then instructed the couple to perform puja and worship Goddess Parvathi in the form of Garbarakshambigai Amman. Their prayers were soon answered and Vedikai soon conceived a child.

One day Nidhruva left to visit Lord Varuna by travelling through the skies. The rishis in those days had many powers. Vedhika was in the third trimester of her pregnancy. One day Sage Urdhvapada visited the Ashram seeking alms. Vedhika was alone in the ashram and since she was in an advanced state of pregnancy and very tired after the daily household chores, she was lying down and taking rest. Vedhika didn't notice the Rishi or hear him, therefore, she failed to respond and unwittingly failed to offer due hospitality to the guest. Urdhvapada felt terribly insulted and unaware of her pregnancy got incensed at her conduct and cursed her for not paying due respects to him. He cursed that she should suffer from a disease called “Rayatchu”, as a result of which poor Vedhika was struck with a foul disease, which began to eat into the very vitals of not only herself but also the child in her womb.

She was devastated and prayed to Garbarakshambiai Amman again. Garbarakshambigai Amman appeared before Vedikai and took the foetus, placing in inside a pot. This foetus developed into a male child and the devoted couple were very happy parents. The child was named Naidhuruvan.

Because of this benevolent act, inmates of the ashram led by Vedikai prayed to the Goddess to remain in that place i.e. the Mullai Vanam (today the place is called Thrirukarukavur ) and offer her grace and protection to all women who want to conceive and also those who are already pregnant. The Goddess accepting their prayers and remain there as the protector of the wombs of women.

The grace of Amman did not end there. She also provided milk to the child Naidhruvan by sending the divine cow Kamadhenu. When Kamadhenu came down to provide milk to the child the hooves of the cow that were planted in front of the temple gave rise to a spring of water which formed a tank. The tank is called Kshreeakundam and exists even today.

Since that time in history this Amman has become the Goddess who blesses all women who pray to her for children.

Some Paintings at the Temple Showing the History:

The Beauty of the Goddess:

Goddess Garbarakshambika’s idol is the supreme personality of Motherhood and this is represented by the magnificent 7 feet tall idol.

This idol stands in the sanctum sanctorum (Garba Graha) of Her temple. This beautiful idol is adorned with kanjeevaram sarees and exquisite jewellery. She is decked with abundant fragrant and colourful flowers which add to Her beauty. The Goddess has the most radiant smile on Her face depicting positivity and a ray of hope.

For the thousands who throng to Her abode, She is not just an idol, She is their only remaining hope. Even a casual visitor cannot fail to be thrilled by the motherly grace and the imposing look of the Goddess here

Lord Mulaivana Nathar:

Lord Shiva is mainly worshipped in the form of a Shiva Linga. In the Shiva lingam, one can see even today the impression of jasmine creepers which once covered the Shiva lingam.

The place has been a forest with jasmine garden once upon a time. Hence the Shiva at this place is called as Mullaivana Nathar (Lord of the Jasmine Garden). The Shiva Lingam of the presiding deity, Lord Mullaivana Nathar in the main sanctum of this temple is a Swayambu (self-manifested ) Lingam, it is one out of the 64 in the world.

Mullai (Jasmine flower) also known as Madhvi or Vasanti in Sanskrit, is the favourite flower of this deity. The Sthala Vriksham in this temple is the Mullai creeper - (Every South Indian temple has its own tree – the sthala vriksham. . The names of each temple’s tree are included in the agamas, descriptive texts)

The Lingam of Lord Mullaivana Nathar is made up of ant hill mud. Therefore there is no water abhisekam for this Lord. Instead, the Lingam is merely smeared with a kind of musk called “Punugu” in Tamil.

It is said that worshipping the main deity Lord Mullaivana Nathar (God Shiva) will cure all kinds of skin diseases. People who are afflicted with incurable diseases come to this temple, offer “Punuhu Chattam” to the Lord and get themselves relieved of their diseases

The Temple Atmosphere:

The temple has a peaceful atmosphere and has not really changed much over the last 200 years.

You can see the photograph from the early 1800's and compare it to the photo taken in 2013 and see that the architecture remains more or less the same. Temple gardens that contribute to the peaceful atmosphere.

A Short Video About the Greatness of the Temple

Temple Surroundings:

Temple Architecture

The Shri Garbharakshambika Sameta Shri Mullaivana Nathar temple is spread over a wide expanse with huge towering Gopurams and a beautiful water tank in front of it.

There is a main Raja gopuram on the east and the temple has also got an entrance on the south side. The temple is surrounded by tall coconut palms, the whole atmosphere is very calming and serene and lends the place sanctity.

Once you walk past the temple tank, you reach into the temple complex of Shri Garbharakshambika Sameta Shri Mullaivana Nathar. Both the shrines of Lord Mullaivana Nathar and Goddess Garbharakshambika are situated in the outer prakaram, which is the main Prakaram facing the east direction.

The main sanctum of this temple has the Shiva lingam and Goddess Garbharakshambika is situated to the left of the Shiva temple.

It is believed that the Nandi at this temple is in Swayambhu vigraham (Self-manifested) and so is the Karpaga Vinayagar inside the temple and as such commands unique devotion from the worshippers.

There is also a shrine for Lord Subramanian.

The devotees first visit the shrine of Lord Mulaivananathar and then the shrine of Devi Garbarakshambigai.

Garbarakshambigai Temple History:

The Gopuram and the huge compound walls tell the story of more than a thousand years.

The Sthalapuranas which are in Sanskrit and Tamil are preserved in manuscript forms and show the antiquity of the temple. The Sthalapurana gives a detailed account of the origin of this Kshetram and the various persons who obtained Divine Grace at this place. There are also ancient inscriptions on the walls inside.

Inscriptions from King Raja Raja Chola’s period who ruled between 985 and 1014 AD; as well as those from Parantaka Chola’s period (early 10th century AD) are seen inside the temple. There is evidence that Beema, Garkiyar, Gouthamar and a lot of ancient kings worshipped God in this temple.

Appar, Sundarar and Sambandar, the three famous Nayan-mars (Saints) have celebrated the glory of the God and this temple in soul-stirring verses (pathigams) of rare beauty and charm. The three Nayanmars visited these temples along with their followers despite the inconveniences they faced while travelling the nook and corner of Tamilnadu in search of these temples.

There are instances when God Shiva himself had directed them and shown the way to some of the temples so that the above Nayanmars could visit these temples and compose Pathigams. These Pathigaams composed in the classical Tamil language are of immense value to Tamil literature.

What are the festivals celebrated at Garbaratchambigai Temple?

Vaikasi Brahmotsavams: Vaikasi Brahmotsavam is celebrated with great pomp and show at the temple. Several hundred people participate in the processions that are taken out during this festival.

Navratri: During the Purattasi month the 10 day Navarathri festival commences and is celebrated.

Margazhi utsavam: Margazhi festival is celebrated at all temples in Tamil Nadu and India. Mainly the celebrations of this festival take place in all Vishnu temples and Shiva temples. Another importance of margazhi is that devotees read Tamil Holy Scriptures “Thiruppavai” and “Thiruvempavai” during this month.

Thiru Kalyanam: The traditional wedding ceremony of Garbarakshambigai Amman to Lord Shiva.

Thirukkarthigai: Tamil Nadu celebrates Karthigai Deepam as the traditional festival. This festival of lights involves lighting lights almost anywhere to put an end to darkness. People believe that the light  will make people close with Lord Shiva on Karthigai Deepam. Lord Shiva will shed all his blessings during this special time of the year.