Mullaivana Nathar Temple, Tirukkarukavur
Location
Tiru-Karukavur
Deity
Mullaivana Nathar
Female Deity
Garbha-Rakshambikai
Pathikam
Sambandar - 1, Tirunavukkarasar - 1
Gallery - Mullaivananathar Temple
How to reach
This Shiva temple is located about 8 km from Papanasam on the Kumbakonam–Thanjavur Main Road. It lies approximately 20 km southwest of Kumbakonam and 20 km northeast of Thanjavur, making it conveniently accessible from both towns and an easy stop for devotees travelling along this route.
Temple Address
Tirukkarugavur
Papanasam Taluk
Thanjavur District
PIN – 614302
Temple Hours
Morning : 5:30 - 12:30
Evening : 4:00 - 8:00
Nearby Paadal Petra Shiva Temples
Travel Tips
Devotees travelling from Papanasam or Kumbakonam can board buses operating via Saliyamangalam and alight at the Tiru-Karukavur Temple Arch bus stop. From there, the temple is just a 450-metre walk. Several shops located outside the temple sell flowers, Pooja items, and other offerings, though prices may be slightly higher than usual. Devotees visiting the temple to perform prayers for childbirth, safe pregnancy, or a safe delivery can conveniently purchase the required pooja materials from the shops within the temple premises. Bus services from Papanasam and Kumbakonam to the temple are fairly frequent. However, for the return journey, buses generally originate from Saliyamangalam and are available at intervals of approximately 30 minutes, so visitors may experience a short wait depending on the schedule.
Somaskanda
The form of Shiva seated with Goddess Uma and Muruga is revered as Somaskanda, symbolizing the divine family. The Mullai Vananathar Temple at Tiru-Karukavur is one of the few Shiva temples that embodies this arrangement. Here, the sanctum of Muruga, accompanied by Valli and Deivanai, is uniquely situated between the sanctums of Shiva and Goddess Parvati, reflecting the Somaskanda tradition. Another distinctive aspect of the temple is its inner prakaram (circumambulatory passage), which encircles all three sanctums, allowing devotees to perform pradakshina around the divine family together.
The Layout
Towers
The temple complex measures approximately 460 feet in length and 285 feet in width. Its principal entrance is marked by a majestic five-tiered Rajagopuram on the eastern side, while a secondary entrance is located on the southern side. In front of the eastern gateway lies the sacred temple tank, Sheerakundam, which, according to temple tradition, was created by Kamadhenu, the divine celestial cow. Upon entering through the eastern Rajagopuram, devotees pass through a spacious and elongated mandapam that leads to the second, three-tiered gopuram. Beyond this gateway stand the Kodimaram (flagstaff), the Balipeeṭam (sacrificial altar), and two Nandis, all aligned along the temple's central axis before the sanctum, creating a majestic and spiritually significant approach to the presiding deity.
Subsidiary Deities
Starting from here and proceeding clockwise around the inner prakaram, one can see the sannidhis of the 63 Nayanmars, the four primary nayanmars (Nālvār), Nruthi Vinayaka, Muruga with Valli and Deivanai, and Goddess Mahalakshmi.
Mullaivananathar
Inside the sanctum, the presiding deity, Mullaivananathar, faces east and is worshipped as a Swayambhu (self-manifested) Lingam. This Linga was found amidst a forest of mullai (jasmine) creepers, and the natural impressions of these creepers can still be seen on the surface of the Lingam. The Lingam is revered as being in the form of an anthill (Putru Lingam). Owing to its delicate and sacred nature, the customary ritual of abhishekam (ceremonial bathing) is not performed. Instead, the deity is worshipped by applying punugu, a fragrant aromatic paste, as the principal offering. A deeply cherished belief associated with this temple is that offering punugu to Mullaivananathar during Pradosham in the waxing phase of the moon (Shukla Paksha) helps relieve even long-standing and incurable ailments. Devotees are not permitted to bring punugu from outside. Instead, the temple administration collects the required contribution and performs the ritual of applying the punugu to the deity on behalf of the devotees.
Garbha Rakshambikai
The sannidhi of the Goddess Garbha Rakshambikai is situated to the left of the main sanctum, facing east. The presiding Goddess here is also known as 'Karu katha Nayaki'. Devotees worship Goddess Garbha Rakshambika with deep faith for the blessings of childbirth and successful marriage.
Pancha Aranya Temples
Pancha Aranya Sthalams comprise five revered Shiva temples: Tiru-Karukavur, Alangudi, Avalivanallur, Haridwaramangalam, and Tiru-Kollampudhoor. Tiru-Karukavur is the first temple to be visited in this pilgrimage circuit, and the rest can be followed, completing the circuit of all the five temples in a day. The temple preserves several valuable inscriptions dating back to the reigns of the Rajaraja Chola I and Parantaka Chola I, providing important historical evidence of the temple's prominence during the early Chola period, particularly in the 10th and 11th centuries. One of the temple's most remarkable architectural and astronomical features is that, on the full moon day of the Tamil month of Panguni (March–April), the moon's rays fall directly upon the Deity.
Legend associated with the Temple
Sage Niruthuva and his wife Vedikai once lived at this place. During one period, the sage had to leave on an important errand, leaving behind his wife, who was in the advanced stages of pregnancy. As it was the height of summer, Vedikai, exhausted by the intense heat, rested inside their home. At that time, another ascetic, Sage Oorthuva, happened to pass by. Weary from his journey under the blazing sun, he called out, expecting someone to offer him food and water. Receiving no response, he looked into the house and saw Vedikai lying with her back turned toward him. Unaware that she was pregnant and resting due to exhaustion, he mistakenly assumed that she was deliberately ignoring him. Angered by what he perceived as disrespect, the sage pronounced a curse upon her and departed. When Vedikai awoke and realized what had happened, she was deeply distressed. Fearing the consequences of the sage's curse upon her unborn child, she prayed with unwavering devotion to Mullaivananathar and Goddess Parvati, seeking their divine protection. Moved by her sincere prayers, the Goddess safeguarded both the child in her womb and the pregnancy, shielding them from the effects of the curse. Upon his return, Sage Niruthuva learned of the incident and offered heartfelt prayers to the divine couple. He requested that every pregnant woman who worshipped at this sacred should receive the same blessings for a safe pregnancy, an uncomplicated childbirth, and the well-being of the child. Pleased with his prayer, the divine couple graciously granted this boon. From that time onward, the Goddess of this temple came to be revered as Karukatha Nayaki, meaning "She who protects the womb," and Garbha Rakshambika, "the Divine Mother who safeguards pregnancy." Ever since, the temple has been one of the most sacred pilgrimage destinations for couples seeking the blessing of children and for expectant mothers praying for a safe pregnancy and healthy delivery.
Gallery
