Garbarakshambigai Temple, Thirukarugavur

Goddess Garbarakshambigai is a form of shakti who believes to cure infertility in women and also blesses pregnant women with a safe delivery. The name of the shrine implies, ‘Garbha’ means Pregnancy, ‘Raksha’ means ‘To protect’ and ‘Ambigai’ is a name of Parvati. According to legend, there was a sage named Nidhruva living with his wife Vedhika here. As the couple had no children, they ardently worshipped the lords. Answering to their prayers, Vedhika got conceived. On her pregnancy one day, the sage Naidhruva was away.

At that time, another sage Urdhva Pada visited the place. Vedhika was alone and in a deep sleep. Since she didn’t notice his arrival, the sage threw a cruel curse upon her. Due to the curse, the fetus fell out of her womb. Vedhika deeply prayed to Goddess Parvathi for relief. The Goddess appeared before her in the form of Garbarakshambigai and protected it by keeping it in a pot till it developed into a male child Naidhruva. Also, the Goddess sent Kamadhenu, the celestial cow, which is believed to have dug the Earth with her hoofs. Consequently, milk flowed out in plenty and a milk tank called Ksheera Kundam was formed. This tank is considered to be the one now in front of the temple.

On Vedhika’s request, the Goddess stayed here blessing the devotees since then. The temple has a 5 tier main tower and an outer circular path. There are inscriptions from Cholas and king Koparakesarivarman of the 6th Century. The Shiva lingam in the sanctum here is made up of ant hill mud and is self manifested. Therefore, no water abhishekam is done for this idol. But, the Lingam is only pasted with Punugu. Goddess here is the supreme personality of motherhood, since she offers pleasant delivery for the women. Her beautiful idol is about 7 feet tall adorned with beautiful kanjeevaram sarees and exquisite jewellery. The temple is one among 276 paadal petra sthalams of Saivism.