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

About Garbarakshambigai Temple

At a distance of 20 Km from Kumbakonam, Garbarakshambigai Temple is a revered Hindu temple situated in Thirukarukavur near 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 Parvati, known as Garbarakshambigai. It is one of the prominent places to visit in Kumbakonam, and among the must-include places in Thanjavur pilgrimage tour packages. 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.

History of Garbarakshambigai Temple

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 Kulottunga Chola. These inscriptions document the royal grants made to the temple and can be found on the temple's walls, sanctum, and various halls. The temple has additions from various ruling empires during the subsequent eras. Currently, the temple is maintained and overseen by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

Mythology of Garbarakshambigai Temple

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 Parvati, who manifested as Garbarakshambigai 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.

Architecture of Garbarakshambigai Temple

Constructed in the Dravidian architectural style, the Thirukarukavur Garbarakshambigai Temple boasts a five-tiered Rajagopuram facing east, accompanied by an outer prakaram. A garden is located to the south, while the Vasantha Mandapam is situated to the north. The sanctum, found within the second precinct, is dedicated to Mullaivananathar, represented as a Swayambu lingam. In front of this sanctum is the Nandi shrine. There is also a separate shrine for goddess Garbarakshambigai, an incarnation of goddess Parvati, which is aligned parallel to the Swami shrine. Furthermore, the temple features individual shrines for Nataraja, Somaskanda, Karpaga Vinayagar, and the Navagrahas. Opposite the temple lies the temple tank, known as Sheerakundam (Parkulam), with water believed to have originated from the milk of the sacred cow Kamadenu.

Festivals of Garbarakshambigai Temple

The Thirukarukavur Garbarakshambigai Temple observes various festivals, including Vaikasi Visakam in honor of Mullaivananathar (Shiva), Adi Pooram, and the Navaratri utsavam dedicated to Ambal. Additionally, it celebrates Annabishekam, Kanda Sashti, Karthigai Deepam, Karthigai Sunday Theerthavari, and Panguni Uthiram.

Garbarakshambigai Temple Dress Code & Other Restrictions

When planning a visit to the Garbarakshambigai Temple, it is recommended to adhere to modest clothing that covers your upper arms and legs as a sign of respect. Men are encouraged to wear a dhoti or pajama paired with an upper garment, as well as formal trousers and shirts. Women may opt for a saree, half saree, or churidhars. It is advisable to refrain from wearing contemporary attire such as mini-skirts, low-waist jeans, shorts, and sleeveless tops while on the temple grounds.

Non-Hindus are welcome to explore the temple complex and appreciate its architectural beauty; however, access to the sanctum sanctorum may be restricted.

Garbarakshambigai Temple Timings

Monday: 6 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 8 PM
Tuesday: 6 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 8 PM
Wednesday: 6 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 8 PM
Thursday: 6 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 8 PM
Friday: 6 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 8 PM
Saturday: 6 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 8 PM
Sunday: 6 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 8 PM

Garbarakshambigai Temple Entry Fee

Entry is Free

Best Time to Visit Garbarakshambigai Temple

The best time to visit Garbarakshambigai Temple is from October to March, while the peak season is from November to February. Maha Shivaratri, Adi Pooram, and Navaratri utsavam during this time offers a remarkable opportunity to immerse oneself in the temple's lively ambiance, drawing thousands of devotees. It is advisable to avoid visiting the temple in the peak summer months from April to June, as temperatures can rise significantly, complicating outdoor activities.

How to Reach Garbarakshambigai Temple

Trichy Airport serves as the closest airport, located approximately 86 kilometers from Thirukarukavur. About 20 Km & 25 Km, the Kumbakonam Railway Station & Thanjavur Railway stations are the nearest rail heads that offer extensive train connectivity to various cities, including Chennai, Rameshwaram, Kanyakumari, Pondicherry, Mysore, Mayiladuthurai, Trichy, Bhubaneswar, Madurai, Coimbatore, Tirupati, Bangalore, and Thirunelveli. Additionally, bus services, as well as private taxis are available to Thirukarukavur from Kumbakonam, and Thanjavur.