Sri Mullaivananathar Temple Thirukkarukavur

Sri Mullaivananathar Temple- Thirukkarukavur

Sri Mullaivananathar Temple is located at
Thirukarukavur close to Thanjavur in Tamilnadu.This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 18th Shiva Sthalam on the Southern bank of the river Cauveri in Chozha Nadu (Thenkarai).
Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested).

This east facing temple has two corridors and its main tower (Rajagopuram) has 5-tiers.
There are two Nandi’s here along with the flag post and Balipeet.

Temple History

This ancient temple is believed to be over 2,000 years old and is situated on the banks of the river Vettaru. This temple is spread over 3 acres of land.

There are stone inscriptions in this temple which date back to the periods of Chola kings Koppara Kesari Varman and Raja Rajan-I.

The historical names of this place are Mullaivanam, Garbapuri and Madhavivanam (Madhavi means “Mullai” plant, a variety of jasmine).

Legend

According to legend, the lingam was found in the midst of jasmine plants here. Hence the lord is praised as “Sri Mullai Vana Nathar”. The mark (scar) of the creepers are still visible on the Linga. This lingam is big in size and is a self-manifested lingam that formed from the mud of an ant-hill. It is always covered with a metal bowl (“Kuvalai” in Tamil). Hence, no “abhishekam” is performed to the lingam directly and only “Punuhu” (civet) is applied. Devotees who are afflicted with incurable diseases come to this temple during Pradosham days of the full moon fortnight, offer “Punuhu Chattam” to Lord Shiva to seek relief for their afflictions. The lord is also praised as “Sri Bhavaroga Nivaranan” as he is believed to be the lord who relieves devotees from their sins.

Mother graces the devotees with her hand on her hip as if holding pregnancy.

The place was once dense with Mullai plants. One Niruthuvar and his Vedigai were praying to Lord Mullaivana Nathar seeking child boon. Vedikai became pregnant. While Niruthuvar was out, Vedikai was in a fainted stage with pain. A sage Oordhvapathar came to the house and sought alms. Vedika could not treat the guest. Not knowing the truth, the angry sage cursed her causing abortion. Vedikai begged mother for protection of the child. Ambica appeared and stored the aborted child in a pot with her blessings and kept it safe with Her till the child was born. Touched by the grace of Mother Ambica, Vedika begged Mother to stay here as Garba Rakshambika and bless pregnant women to safe delivery of the children and the mothers.