Garbarakshambigai Temple is one of the most famous temples in Tamil Nadu, located in Thirukarukavur, near Thanjavur. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Garbarakshambigai, who is believed to be a form of Goddess Parvati. Devotees strongly believe that this temple is very powerful for women who wish to conceive, for safe pregnancies, and for protection of mothers and babies. The presiding deity is Goddess Garbarakshambigai along with Lord Shiva, worshipped here as Mullaivana Nathar.
The temple has a long history, and legends say that the Goddess blessed women with healthy children and protected pregnancies. Even today, thousands of devotees visit the temple every year seeking fertility blessings. Couples who pray here with faith often share stories of successful childbirth. Along with spiritual importance, the temple is also known for its beautiful South Indian architecture, gopuram towers, and peaceful surroundings.
In 2025, the temple will continue to be a holy place where pilgrims from Tamil Nadu and all over India visit for darshan and special poojas. It is one of the most unique temples in India because of its special connection with pregnancy blessings.
Overview of Garbarakshambigai Temple
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Temple Name | Garbarakshambigai Temple |
| Location | Thirukarukavur, Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu |
| Main Deities | Goddess Garbarakshambigai (Parvati), Lord Mullaivana Nathar (Shiva) |
| Famous For | Blessings for pregnancy, safe delivery, child protection |
| Built In | Ancient Chola period |
| Festival Celebrated | Navratri, Shivratri, Aadi month |
| Special Poojas | Ghee prasadam for pregnancy, castor oil prasadam for safe delivery |
| Darshan Booking | Available offline at temple |
| Best Time to Visit | Throughout the year, especially Aadi month |
Timings of Garbarakshambigai Temple
| Session | Timing |
|---|---|
| Morning Darshan | 5:30 AM – 12:30 PM |
| Evening Darshan | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
| Special Poojas | As per booking |
Devotees are advised to visit early morning or evening when the temple atmosphere is peaceful. During festivals, timings may be extended.
Sevas and Poojas at Garbarakshambigai Temple
The temple offers unique sevas and prasadam connected to fertility and childbirth.
| Seva / Pooja | Description | Timing | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ghee Prasadam Pooja | Offered for women wishing to conceive. Devotees receive ghee to consume daily. | Morning & Evening | ₹200 – ₹300 |
| Castor Oil Prasadam Pooja | For safe delivery. Oil is applied to the pregnant woman during labor. | Morning & Evening | ₹200 – ₹300 |
| Archana | Special prayers for family blessings. | Morning & Evening | ₹50 – ₹100 |
| Abhishekam | Ritual bathing of Lord Shiva. | Morning | ₹500 – ₹1000 |
How to Reach Garbarakshambigai Temple
- By Air: The nearest airport is Trichy Airport (Trichirapalli), around 90 km away. From there, buses and taxis are available.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Thanjavur Junction, around 20 km from the temple.
- By Road: The temple is well-connected by buses and private taxis from Thanjavur, Kumbakonam, and Trichy.
The temple is located in a small peaceful village, so many devotees prefer private cabs for easy travel.
How to Book Darshan Tickets
Currently, online booking is not available for Garbarakshambigai Temple. Devotees can directly go to the temple counter and book sevas or poojas. The process is simple:
- Reach the temple ticket counter.
- Ask for seva/pooja ticket as per requirement.
- Pay the fee (cash accepted).
- Get receipt and attend seva at the designated time.
Nearby Attractions
- Brihadeeswara Temple (Big Temple), Thanjavur – A UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Airavatesvara Temple, Darasuram – Famous Chola architecture.
- Swamimalai Murugan Temple – One of the six abodes of Lord Murugan.
- Kumbakonam Temples – Known as the temple town with Vishnu and Shiva shrines.
These places can be covered on the same trip along with Garbarakshambigai Temple.
Accommodation Options
| Accommodation | Location | Price (Approx.) | Facilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temple Guest Houses | Near temple | ₹300 – ₹500 | Basic rooms |
| Hotels in Thanjavur | 20 km away | ₹800 – ₹3000 | AC rooms, restaurants |
| Hotels in Kumbakonam | 35 km away | ₹1000 – ₹2500 | Comfortable stay, near temples |
| Lodges in Trichy | 90 km away | ₹1500 – ₹3500 | Good for long stay |
Important Instructions for Visitors
- Women seeking blessings for pregnancy must collect ghee prasadam.
- Pregnant women should take castor oil prasadam for safe delivery.
- Maintain silence and follow temple rules.
- Photography inside sanctum is not allowed.
- Carry cash as online payments may not always work.
- Visit early to avoid rush during festivals.
Do’s and Don’ts at the Temple
Do’s:
- Dress in traditional and decent clothes.
- Follow priest instructions during pooja.
- Respect the prasadam given by temple.
- Visit with faith and devotion.
Don’ts:
- Do not enter sanctum with footwear.
- Avoid using mobile phones inside temple.
- Do not waste prasadam given.
- Do not crowd the queue lines.
FAQs about Garbarakshambigai Temple
Q1. Where is Garbarakshambigai Temple located?
It is in Thirukarukavur, near Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu.
Q2. Why is the temple famous?
It is famous for blessings related to fertility, safe pregnancy, and child protection.
Q3. What prasadam is special here?
Ghee prasadam for conception and castor oil prasadam for safe delivery.
Q4. Can we book tickets online?
No, booking is only available at the temple counter.
Q5. What are temple timings?
Morning: 5:30 AM – 12:30 PM, Evening: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
Q6. How to reach the temple?
Nearest airport: Trichy (90 km), Nearest railway: Thanjavur (20 km).
Q7. Is there any dress code?
Traditional dress is recommended – saree for women, dhoti/shirt for men.
Q8. Are accommodations available near temple?
Yes, temple guest houses and hotels in Thanjavur/Kumbakonam are available.
Q9. What festivals are celebrated here?
Navratri, Aadi month, and Maha Shivaratri.
Q10. Can non-Hindus visit the temple?
Yes, but they must respect temple traditions.
Ghee purpose peganice perpose