Garparakshambigai - Arulmigu Mullaivananathar Temple
Shri Garparakshambigai (also pronounced as Garbharakshambikha or Garbharakshambigai) temple, is situated at Thirukarukaavur, Papanasam Taluk in Tanjore District in TamilNadu. Lord Shiva in this Sthalam is called Mullaivananathar and the Ambika is called Garparakshambigai.
Garparakshambigai History
This is an ancient Siva temple about 20 km East of Thanjavur dedicated to Sri Mullaivananathar and Sri Garparakshambigai. It is a huge temple spread over a wide expanse with imposing Gopurams and a tank in front of it. It is believed that childless people who worship here with devotion and faith are blessed with pregnancy and pregnant women with safe deliveries. Unmarried women also pray here for their marriages.
Its origin speaks of the story of Sage Nidhruva and his wife Vedhika who conceived after many prayers. Once while the sage was away, the pregnant Vedika was deep asleep when Sage Urdhvapada came to her door asking for alms. Therefore, she did not hear him and failed to respond. He cursed her and the fetus slipped out of her womb. She prayed to the Goddess who appeared and protected it, keeping it in a pot till it developed into a male child Naidhruvan.
The Linga here is self-manifested and made of ant-hill mud. Therefore there is no water abhiseka worship is only offered with "Punuhu". This Punuhu Chattam is offered by devotees who want to be cured of diseases.
Its origin speaks of the story of Sage Nidhruva and his wife Vedhika who conceived after many prayers. Once while the sage was away, the pregnant Vedika was deep asleep when Sage Urdhvapada came to her door asking for alms. Therefore, she did not hear him and failed to respond. He cursed her and the fetus slipped out of her womb. She prayed to the Goddess who appeared and protected it, keeping it in a pot till it developed into a male child Naidhruvan.
The Linga here is self-manifested and made of ant-hill mud. Therefore there is no water abhiseka worship is only offered with "Punuhu". This Punuhu Chattam is offered by devotees who want to be cured of diseases.
Lord Mullaivana Nathar [Lord of the Jasmine Garden]
Lord Mullaivana Nathar (Lord of the Jasmine Garden) and worshipping this God will cure all kinds of skin diseases. People who are afflicted with incurable diseases come to this temple.Thirukarugavur is the abode of Goddess Garbharakshambika and Lord Mullaivana nathar Garbharakshambika means “The Mother Who Protects the Womb”. The name of the place itself brings out the significance of the temple. A remarkable feature of the temple which distinguishes this temple from the innumerable other shrines of our land is that the Goddess Sri Garbharakshambika not only protects the unborn child but also blesses people who long for a child, people who have pregnancy-related problems, and pregnant women who come to the temple praying for easy delivery.
The other presiding deity is Lord Mullaivana Nathar (Lord of the Jasmine Garden) and worshipping this God will cure all kinds of skin diseases. People who are afflicted with incurable diseases come to this temple.
HOW TO REACH THE TEMPLE
It can be reached from both Thanjavur (Tanjore)and Kumbakonam. Town buses are available from both places to take you to the temple.
Papanasam is about 20 kilometers east of Thanjavur Town and 20 kilometers Southwest of Kumbakonam, so the distance is almost the same.
If you are traveling from Chennai, you have to take a train or bus to Kumbakonam and from Kumbakonam, buses are going straight to Thirukarugavur where the temple is situated. You can also rent a car locally for transport.
Devotees can offer the following kinds of worship by remitting the prescribed amount to the EXECUTIVE OFFICER by M.O. and get the receipts and Prasadams by post and be benefited.
1. ASHTOTHARAM ARCHANA
2. SAHASRANAMAM ARCHANA
3. ABISHEKAM
4. Manthra Charged Caster Oil
5. Manthra charged ghee
6. PUNUHU CHATTAM
Any queries can be sent to the following address.
The Executive Officer
Arulmigu Mullaivananathar Swami Thirukoil
Thirukarukavur Papanasam Vattam,
Thanjavur District,
Tamil Nadu,
PinCode : 614 302
Phone: 04374 273423
Couples Who Want a Baby Should Read Mantra of Garbarakshambigai
Mantra for Garbarakshambigai
Aum Garbarakshambigaayai cha vidhmahe
Mangala dhevadhaayai cha dheemahee
Dhanno devi prachodhayaath
Mangala dhevadhaayai cha dheemahee
Dhanno devi prachodhayaath