Thirukarukavur Mullaivananathar Temple
Thirukarukavur is a village in the Thanjavur district of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. This village is known for its cultural and religious significance, and it is home to the ancient Thirukarukavur Temple. It is a pilgrimage site for women who are looking to conceive, as well as those who are expecting.
Image Attribution: @andalpchockalingam from Instagram
Deities of Thirukarukavur Temple:
Mullaivananatha Swamy: Mullaivananatha Swamy can be seen as Mullaivananatha Swayambu Lingam. The deity is formed by cancer soil (Puttru mann in Tamil). Even today, the scar of the mulberry vine can be seen on the Linga Thirumeni. By worshiping the Swayambu deity Moolavar Mullai Vananathar with Punugu Chatam will cure incurable diseases and doshas especially skin related diseases and putra dosha.
Garbharakshambigai Amman: Garbharakshambigai Amman is the presiding deity of the Thirukarukavur Temple. She is a form of the Hindu goddess Parvati, and her name reflects her role as the protector of expectant mothers and their unborn children. The word “Garbharakshambigai” can be roughly translated as “the goddess who safeguards the womb.”
History of the temple:
Arulmiku Garbharatsambikai Ambal holds a special place in the history of Thirukarugavur. In ancient times, two revered sages, Gautama and Karkeyar, devoted themselves to penance in the tranquil surroundings of Mullai Vanam. These ascetics were attended to by Nithuruvar, a devout couple, who served them with unwavering devotion.
Nithuruvar Vedigai, however, faced a deep anguish in their hearts as they were childless. They expressed their sorrow to the sages and were advised that the divine presence residing in the Mullai forest, specifically the Goddess, could bless them with a child if they fervently prayed.
Nithuru and Vedika embarked on a profound journey of worship, paying homage to both the Lord and the Goddess. Their devoted prayers were answered when a joyous Makad was born into their lives. However, a tragic incident occurred when Vedika, heavily pregnant and alone due to her husband’s absence, lost her consciousness. It was during this vulnerable moment that Sage Urthuvada arrived, seeking alms. Oblivious to Vedika’s condition, the sage inadvertently uttered a curse, causing the dissolution of Vedika’s unborn child.
In her dire moment of need, Vedikai implored the Divine Mother, and the compassionate Ambal appeared as her savior. Ambal tenderly preserved the aborted fetus in a jar, safeguarding it until the day of the child’s birth. The child was named Nainthuruvan, and this remarkable event became a testament to the grace and benevolence of the divine.
In recognition of this extraordinary incident and the sanctity of Garbharatsambika, this sacred place was named Thirukarugavur. It stands as a haven for those who are with child, serving as a place of solace and prayer, offering blessings for expectant mothers and their unborn children.
Temple Sacred pond:
Ambal dispatched Kamathenu to provide nourishment for the infant Nainthuruvan, as there was no breast milk available. Kamadenu, the divine cow, grazed her hoof against the ground, resulting in a miraculous pool of milk. This revered site is now referred to as Sheerakundam, located in front of the temple.
Visiting Hours of the Temple:
The temple is generally open from 5.30 am to 12.30 pm and from 4.00 pm to 8.00 pm. However, during the month of March, it opens at 5.00 AM, operates until 12.00 PM, and then reopens at 4.00 PM, closing at 8.00 PM.
Festivals of Thirukarukavur Temple:
Thai Poosam : Thai Poosam is a momentous celebration observed during the Tamil month of Thai, typically falling in January-February. It draws large congregations of devotees to the temple, where they fervently offer their prayers and seek the benevolence of Garbharakshambigai Amman. The temple is resplendent with vibrant decorations and hosts captivating processions, creating a joyous and spiritually enriching atmosphere during this festival.
Navaratri : Navaratri, a nine-day festival dedicated to the goddess, is celebrated with devotion and fervor. It usually falls in September or October. The temple witnesses an influx of devotees during this period.
Maha Shivaratri: While the primary deity of the temple is Garbharakshambigai Amman, Maha Shivaratri, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is also celebrated with great devotion at Thirukarukavur Temple.
How to reach Thirukarukavur Temple:
By Road:
Thirukarukavur is well-connected by road. You can reach the temple by private or hired vehicle, taxi, or bus.If you’re traveling from major cities in Tamil Nadu, you can follow the road networks that connect to Thirukarukavur. The temple’s location is typically well-marked.Nagapattinam and Kumbakonam are two major nearby cities with good road connectivity to Thirukarukavur.
By Air:
The closest airport is Tiruchirapalli International Airport, commonly known as Trichy Airport, situated at a distance of roughly 115 kilometers from Thirukarukavur. Upon arriving at the airport, you have the option to either hire a taxi or board a bus for your journey to the temple. The road trip typically spans approximately 2-3 hours.
By Train:
The Thirukarukavur Temple is conveniently accessible from two nearby railway hubs: Mayiladuthurai Junction and Kumbakonam Junction. Both of these railway stations maintain strong connections to significant cities in Tamil Nadu, such as Chennai, Trichy, and Thanjavur. Upon alighting at the railway station, you can opt to hire a taxi or board a local bus to complete your journey to the temple.