This shrine can be found in a tiny village by the name of Tirukarugavur, which can be found in the district of Tanjore, which is based in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. This shrine is rather old; it is a Shiva shrine which is built to commemorate Lord Mullaivananathar as well as Goddess Garbharakshambikai. This place can be accessed easily by devotees as it is well connected railways, air and road to most parts of the country. Papanasam, is the railway station that is located closest to this temple. It is located at a distance of about three kilometers from this site, Chennai residents can come to this shrine via Kumbakonam and from there they can travel to the village of Tirukarugavur. The shrine of Goddess Garbharakshambikai is believed to be rather popular in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, as well as in the district of Tanjore.
Legend has it that Vedikai was blessed by the Goddess, when she was almost going to have a miscarriage, the Goddess helped her by preventing this from happening and sheltered her child; she also offered her blessings to her, to that she could deliver her child safely. People believe that if they come to this temple and pray to the Goddess then she will help those women who are unable to conceive, out; moreover she will ensure that they will have a healthy pregnancy and that they deliver safely, a strong child.
People pray to Mullaivananathar and ask him to bless them with a healthy life, free from any kind of illnesses. The idol of the Lord which is seen in this shrine is self manifested, and that is why it is referred to as swayambalingam, which means the same. The deity is composed of mud, which is hardened and because of this abhishek cannot be performed to the Lord. Pungu is given as Prasad to people, and it is said to have medicinal properties as it is said to heal various diseases that people might be suffering from, like � a number of skin diseases, diseases of the heart, moreover, it also aids in the speedy recovery of those who have had some kind of surgery.
The Lord never lets any of his devotees return empty handed. Not only people from India, but people belonging to other countries of the world, who belong to different religions also come to this temple, many of them have been blessed by the birth of a child when they were earlier having trouble conceiving, after they have paid homage to this shrine and worshipped the Lord and the Goddess, here.
There are a number of festivals that are celebrated in this shrine, like � the festival of vaisagi visagam that is celebrated in honor of the Lord, the festivals of Navratri and adipuram are celebrated to honor Ambal, Kanthasashti, Annabhisekam, Karthigai, Karthigai Sunday theertavari and mahadeepam with a lot of pomp, joy and in high spirits.
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