The Garbarakshambika Temple is located in Thirukkarugavur, a small village in Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu. The temple is 20 km from Kumbakonam, 25 km from Thanjavur, and 315 km from Chennai. There is no direct connectivity from the Telugu states to the Garbarakshambika Temple.You need to first reach Thanjavur or Kumbakonam.
The best option is to reach Kumbakonam first, stay there, and then travel to the Garbarakshambika Temple by auto or cab from Kumbakonam. The round-trip fare is around ₹800. There is only one weekly train from the Telugu states to Kumbakonam, and I’ll share the train details in the description, so please check it. The best option is to first reach Chennai and then take another train or bus from Chennai to Kumbakonam.
Saptashrungi Temple 2025 : Timings,Darshans & Seva
The History and Significance of Garbarakshambika Temple
The Sri Garbarakshambika Temple, along with Sri Mullaivanathar, is a magnificent shrine. Long ago, a sage named Nidruva lived here with his wife, Vedika. They always worshipped Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and lived happily together. However, their only problem was that they didn’t have children. To have a child, they fervently worshipped Parvati and Lord Shiva. One day, Vedika conceived, and as her delivery date approached, Sage Nidruva had to leave the ashram for some work.
While he was away, another sage named Urdhvapadu visited their ashram. At that time, Vedika, exhausted from household chores and resting, didn’t notice his arrival and couldn’t offer him the customary hospitality. Angered by this, Urdhvapadu, unaware that Vedika was pregnant, cursed her. Due to the curse, she began suffering from a severe illness. As a result, not only her body but also the fetus in her womb started being consumed. In immense pain and distress, she prayed fervently to Goddess Parvati, the embodiment of all auspiciousness. The Goddess immediately appeared and protected the fetus in her womb…
What are the important timings of the temple
| Day | Morning Hours | Evening Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 5:30 AM – 12:30 PM | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 5:30 AM – 12:30 PM | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 5:30 AM – 12:30 PM | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
| Thursday | 5:30 AM – 12:30 PM | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
| Friday | 5:30 AM – 12:30 PM | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
| Saturday | 5:30 AM – เฉพาะ | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
| Sunday | 5:30 AM – 12:30 PM | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
what are the Sevas and Darshans are available in the temle
Darshan Timings:
- 5:30 AM – 12:30 PM, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Daily)
- Margazhi (Dec 16 – Jan 13): Slightly different, check official website
Sevas and Prices:
- Blessed Ghee for Pregnancy: Rs. 200 (India), Rs. 500 (Overseas)
- Blessed Castor Oil for Safe Delivery: Rs. 200 (India), Rs. 500 (Overseas)
- Punugu Sattam for Health: Rs. 100 (India), Rs. 300 (Overseas)
- Abhishekam: Rs. 700
- Kattalai Archana (12 Months): Rs. 1500
- Ayush Homam: Rs. 500
How to Reach Garbarakshambigai Temple, Thirukarukavur
By Air:
- Nearest airport: Tiruchirappalli (Trichy) International Airport, 85 km away.
- From the airport, take a taxi or cab to the temple (about 1.5-2 hours).
By Train:
- Nearest railway station: Papanasam, 5-6.5 km away.
- From Papanasam station, take an auto-rickshaw or taxi to the temple (10-15 minutes).
By Bus:
- From Thanjavur (20 km): Take bus numbers 16, 24, 34, or 44 to Thirukarukavur.
- From Kumbakonam (20 km): Take bus numbers 11 or 29 to Thirukarukavur.
- Buses take about 30-40 minutes from either town.
By Car/Taxi:
- The temple is 20 km from Thanjavur or Kumbakonam, about 30 minutes by car.
- Use GPS or Google Maps to reach: Sri Garbarakshambigai Temple, Therkku Vasal, Thirukarukavur, Papanasam, Tamil Nadu 610001.
- You can hire a cab from Thanjavur or Kumbakonam (approx. Rs. 1200 for 6 hours/60 km).
Tips:
- Best time to visit: September to March (cool weather, 20°C-30°C).
- Stay in Thanjavur or Kumbakonam for hotels and restaurants.
- Reach early (6-6:30 AM) to avoid crowds, especially on weekends or festivals.
What is the Ghee Prasadam?
The Ghee Prasadam at Garbarakshambigai Temple in Thirukarukavur, Tamil Nadu, is a sacred offering for couples seeking blessings to conceive. The ghee is placed at the feet of Goddess Garbarakshambigai, charged with mantras, and believed to enhance fertility and remove obstacles to conception. Couples mix it with regular cow ghee and consume it daily for 48 days to receive the goddess’s blessings for a healthy pregnancy.
How to Book Ghee Prasadam?
- In-Person at the Temple:
- Visit the temple at Therkku Vasal, Thirukarukavur, Papanasam, Tamil Nadu 610001.
- Purchase puja items (coconut, bananas, flowers) outside the temple (Rs. 180-250).
- Obtain Ghee Prasadam from the counter near the administrative office inside the temple.
- Perform darshan of Lord Mulaivananathar (Shiva) first, then proceed to Goddess Garbarakshambigai’s sannidhi.
- During the puja, apply some ghee on the steps of the sannidhi as guided by the priest. The blessed ghee is returned after the ritual.
- Cost: Rs. 200 (for Indian devotees), Rs. 500 (for overseas devotees).
Online Booking:
- Visit the official temple website: https://garbarakshambigai.org/.
- Navigate to the “Order Pooja” section on the homepage.
- Select “Blessed Ghee for Pregnancy” and add to cart.
- Fill in details: name, email, billing address, and gothra (if known).
- Proceed to payment (online transfer, demand draft, or cheque).
- Attach transaction receipt in the online pooja booking form (available on the website).
- After the puja, you receive:
- Ghee Prasadam
- Kumkum and Vibhuthi packet
- Photo of the deity
- Stotram/Slokam for chanting
- Cost: Rs. 200 (India), Rs. 500 (Overseas, includes shipping). Delivery takes 5-8 days in India, 15-20 days internationally via Indian Speed Post.
How to Use Ghee Prasadam?
- Mix the blessed ghee with ½ kg of cow ghee (e.g., Amul, Nandini).
- Both husband and wife should consume one teaspoon daily before bed for 48 days.
- Women should skip during menstruation; husbands continue.
- Do not mix with other food. If nauseous, mix with plain rice or roti.
- Chant Garbarakshambigai mantras (available on the temple website) 108 times daily, if possible.
- If pregnant before 48 days, stop consuming and use remaining ghee to light lamps in your puja room.
- Store at room temperature or in a refrigerator; it stays good for 6 months