In many Indian families, after being married for over a year, there’s often a strong desire to have a baby. Sometimes, even our best efforts may not bring the desired results, and that’s when we turn to God for miracles or blessings, as we believe in a higher power guiding us through life.
Planning for a baby involves a three-phase cycle, starting from conception and continuing until the birth of a healthy baby without any difficulties. This article will explore the top three must-visit temples believed to aid in conceiving and having a baby. Let’s take a closer look at these temples one by one.
Top 3 Temples in Tamilnadu For Having A Baby
Protecting the Foetus – Garbarakshambigai / Garbarakshambikai Temple at Thirukarugavur
Safe delivery of a Healthy Baby – Thayumanavar Swami Temple at Tiruchy
Make sure to visit these temples and experience joyous motherhood!
Karuvalarcheri Akilandeswari Temple – The Divine Blessing for foetus Growth
At the top of the list is the Karuvalarcheri Akilandeshwari Ambal Sametha Sri Agastheeswarar Temple. Mother Akilandeswari is known as Karu Valarkkum Nayagi in this temple, the Goddess who blesses the growing fetus. In other words, the Universal Mother in this temple bestows the blessing of development to the unborn child.
The unique feature of this temple is that the goddess is a Suyambhu, which means she formed on her own. She is in the form of a snake pit; therefore, there is no Abhishekam (ceremonial bath) for the goddess. Instead, a special oil called Punugu is applied to her, and devotees can only see her face. However, during the nine days of Navrathri, the devotees can witness the full darshan of the goddess.
The main deity, Shri Agastheeswarar, gets his name from worshipping the sage Agasthiyar and his wife, Lopamudhra.
Visiting this temple is recommended for those seeking blessings to have a child, where a simple procedure is followed. The couple is asked to clean the metal steps of the Garbhagraham (sanctum sanctorum) with pure ghee and put a kolam (a traditional art form). They are then given a lemon and 7 Manjal Kizhangu (Turmeric sticks). The couple consumes the lemon juice in the same glass, and the girl uses the turmeric sticks daily while taking a bath (except for five days of the menstrual cycle). Women are strongly believed to conceive before all the turmeric is used.
Karuvalarcheri Akilandeswari Temple is open from 8:00 AM to 12:00 Noon and from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Thirukarugavur Garbarakshambigai Temple – foetus Guardian Deity
“Next on our list is the Thirukarugavur Sri Mullaivananathar Temple, home to the revered Garbarakshambigai Amman, also known as Karu Kakkum Nayagi. This compassionate Goddess is renowned for safeguarding the well-being of unborn babies. In simpler terms, she is the Goddess who embraces and helps a woman carry her baby to term without any hindrance during her pregnancy.
According to ancient history, Goddess Parvati incarnated as Garbarakshambikai Amman to bless her devoted follower Vedhikai, the wife of Sage Nithuvar. With the Goddess’s blessings, Vedhikai became pregnant. When Vedhikai faced the threat of losing her unborn child, Garbarakshambigai came to her aid. The Goddess protected the fetus by cradling it within a divine pot called a ‘Kalasam.’ The fetus thrived and grew within this sacred vessel, akin to a remarkable early form of modern-day test tube baby technology. This awe-inspiring miracle unfolded thousands of years ago in our sacred land.
The main deity, Sri Mullaivananathar (Lord of the Jasmine Garden), is a naturally formed lingam. The name signifies the image of jasmine vines enveloping the Shiva lingam. The graceful Garbarakshambikai statue stands tall at 7 feet, adorned with a serene smile that radiates positivity and hope to all devotees.
Blessed castor oil is available at this temple for pregnant women nearing delivery. The oil, which can be obtained by the woman’s husband or family members, is applied to the lower abdomen during times of discomfort or pain in pregnancy. This practice is believed to alleviate complications, dangers, and post-delivery effects, providing a safeguarding touch from the divine.”
Thirukarukavur Sri Garbarakshambigai Devi Temple Timings are from 5.30 AM to 12:30 PM and 4.00 PM to 8:00 PM
In Margazhi Month (December 16 to January 13) From 4:30 AM to 12:10 PM and 4:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Trichy Thayumanavar Swamy Temple – The Deity Who Blesses Safe Childbirth
“Last but not least, we have the Thayumanavar Swamy Temple nestled near the base of the Rockfort, built by the Pallava king in the 6th century AD. Here, Lord Shiva, revered as Thayumanavar, embodies a unique aspect – ‘The God who Became Mother,’ supporting the birth of healthy babies.
In an ancient Hindu tale, a devoted woman named Rathnavathi faced a crucial moment as she approached childbirth. Hindered by a Cauvery River flood, her mother couldn’t reach in time despite Rathnavathi’s call for help. Filled with faith, Rathnavathi turned to Lord Shiva in prayer. Deeply moved by her devotion, Lord Shiva assumed the guise of Rathnavathi’s mother, guiding her through a smooth delivery. Lord Shiva disappeared as soon as the safe birth occurred, coinciding with Rathnavathi’s mother’s arrival. It was later revealed that Lord Shiva had aided the delivery. This led to the temple’s name, Thayumanaswamy, signifying the Lord’s Motherly role. The goddess Parvathi is also revered as Mattuvar Kuzhalammai.
Even today, expectant mothers seek the blessings of Thayumanaswamy for secure delivery and the birth of a healthy child. Upon the baby’s arrival, a whole bunch of fresh green bananas is offered to express gratitude to the deity.”
“Trichy Thayumanavar Swamy Temple is open from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.”
