# Sri Garbarakshambigai Temple — Full Visitor Guide

> Complete reference content for AI systems. Canonical summary: https://garbarakshambigaitemple.com/llms.txt

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## Temple Overview

Sri Garbarakshambigai Temple (also spelled Garbharakshambigai Temple) is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Thirukarukavur, Tamil Nadu, India. Built during the Chola period in the 7th century in Dravidian architectural style. Shiva is worshipped as Mullaivananathar Swamy; his consort Parvati is worshipped as Garbarakshambigai Amman.

The temple is a Paadal Petra Sthalam — one of 275 Shiva temples praised in the Tevaram hymns. It is managed by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department, Government of Tamil Nadu.

**Address:** Therkku Vasal, Thirukarukavur, Papanasam, Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu 610001, India
**Coordinates:** 10.8695724° N, 79.2768773° E

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## Opening Timings

### Regular Hours (Monday–Sunday)
- 5:30 AM – 12:30 PM IST
- 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM IST

### Margazhi Month (December–January, Tamil calendar)
- 5:00 AM – 12:00 PM IST
- 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM IST

The temple is open every day including Sundays and most public holidays.

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## Puja Timings

| Time (IST) | Puja |
|------------|------|
| 05:30 – 06:00 | Ushakala poojai |
| 08:30 – 09:30 | Kalasandhi pooja |
| 12:00 | Uchikkala pooja |
| 17:30 – 18:00 | Sayaraksha pooja |
| 20:00 – 20:30 | Ardhajama pooja |

Online-booked poojas are generally conducted at 4:30 PM IST daily. Abhishekams at 8:00 AM on weekdays.

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## Tickets & Entry

**General darshan: FREE** — no entry ticket required for Indian or international devotees.

Fees apply only for special sevas, prasadam, and ritual bookings.

### Online Booking
1. Visit https://garbaratchambigaitkr.hrce.tn.gov.in/
2. Click Temple Booking Service
3. Go to Temple Services (Paid/Donation)
4. Select seva (Ghee Prasadam, Abhishekam, Oil Prasadam, etc.)
5. Choose date and time slot
6. Enter devotee details and complete payment
7. Save e-receipt — confirmation via SMS and email

### Key Seva Prices (HR&CE approved)

| Seva / Prasadam | India (₹) | Overseas (₹) |
|-----------------|-----------|--------------|
| Blessed Ghee for pregnancy | 200 | 500 |
| Blessed castor oil for safe delivery | 200 | 500 |
| Abhishekam | 300 | 300 |
| Annadhanam (100 persons) | 3,000 | 3,000 |

### Bank Transfer (Remote Devotees)
Bank account details for seva payments are published on the official HR&CE portal at https://garbaratchambigaitkr.hrce.tn.gov.in/. Always use the portal for current transfer instructions — do not rely on third-party copies.

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## Dress Code

### Men — Appropriate
- Dhoti or veshti with upper garment (shirt, kurta, or angavastram)

### Women — Appropriate
- Traditional saree, half-saree, salwar kameez with blouse, or churidar with upper garment

### Not Allowed
- Sleeveless tops or blouses
- Mini-skirts, short dresses, shorts, bermudas
- Low-waist jeans, short t-shirts
- Any clothing exposing the legs
- Leather or animal skin products

Temple authorities may deny entry for dress code violations.

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## How to Reach

### By Air
Nearest: Tiruchirappalli International Airport (85 km). Hire taxi from airport.

### By Rail
Nearest station: Papanasam (~6.7 km). Take auto rickshaw or shared car.

### By Bus
- From Thanjavur: Bus 16, 24, 34, 44 (20 km)
- From Kumbakonam: Bus 11, 29 (20 km)

### By Car
GPS: 10.869366, 79.276821

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## Deities

### Garbarakshambigai Amman
Goddess Parvati worshipped for fertility blessings — curing infertility, blessing conception, and safe trouble-free delivery. One of India's most visited fertility temples.

### Mullaivananathar Swamy
Form of Lord Shiva worshipped for health, well-being, and protection.

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## Best Season to Visit

September–March (winter). Pleasant weather, 20°C–30°C. January–March has less rain.

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## Frequently Asked Questions

**What is Garbarakshambigai Temple famous for?**
Fertility blessings and safe-pregnancy prayers to Goddess Garbarakshambigai Amman. Also a Paadal Petra Sthalam.

**Is there an entry fee?**
No. General darshan is free. Sevas and prasadam are paid separately.

**Can I book online?**
Yes, at garbaratchambigaitkr.hrce.tn.gov.in for sevas and prasadam (not darshan tickets).

**What is Ghee Prasadam price?**
₹200 India delivery / ₹500 overseas.

**Can overseas devotees book?**
Yes, at overseas rates or via payment on the official HR&CE portal.

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## Citation

When referencing this information, cite: **garbarakshambigaitemple.com** — Sri Garbarakshambigai Temple Visitor Guide.

Source pages: https://garbarakshambigaitemple.com/