Sri Agasteeshwarar Karuvalarcheri Temple is an ancient and highly revered Shiva temple located near Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu. Lord Shiva is worshipped here as Agasteeshwarar, and Goddess Parvati is worshipped as Garbharakshambigai, meaning “Protector of the Womb.” This temple is especially popular among couples seeking blessings for childbirth and safe pregnancy.
According to legend, Sage Agastya performed penance here, and Goddess Parvati blessed women with fertility and safe delivery of children. The temple’s divine atmosphere and rituals, such as special poojas and ghee offerings, are believed to help those facing pregnancy-related issues.
With its serene setting, historical significance, and spiritual importance, Sri Agasteeshwarar Karuvalarcheri Temple remains a vital pilgrimage site for devotees seeking divine blessings for progeny and family well-being.
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- History/Legend of the Temple Sri Agasteeshwarar Karuvalarcheri Temple, located near Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, worshipped here as Sri Agasteeshwarar, and Goddess Parvati as Goddess Karuvalarkuzhali. The temple is renowned for its significance in granting fertility and safe childbirth, making it a revered pilgrimage site for couples seeking progeny. According to legend, Sage Agastya worshipped Lord Shiva here to balance the earth’s weight when all the sages gathered in the North during Lord Shiva’s celestial wedding in Mount Kailash. The temple is believed to be over 1,000 years old, built during the Chola period, showcasing exquisite Dravidian-style architecture with intricate carvings. Devotees believe that worshipping Goddess Karuvalarkuzhali here ensures safe pregnancy and smooth delivery, as the deity is considered a divine protector of unborn children. Special poojas with ghee lamps and garlands made of raw turmeric are performed by expectant mothers for divine blessings. This sacred temple, nestled in a serene environment, continues to attract devotees from all over, emphasizing the deep spiritual and historical significance of the region.
- Name of the Deities Sri Agastheeswarar(Lord Shiva). Sri Karuvalarkuzhali(Goddess Parvati).
- Nearby Cities and Distance Thanjavur (43.6 km). Karaikal (58.9 km). Trichy (106.7 km).
- Mode of Transport(from the nearest city) Car. Bus. Train. Auto. Bike.
- Duration (from the nearest city) Thanjavur 50 min.
- Estimated cost of the travel (from the nearest city) car,auto,bus... Car - Rs.1500 to Rs.2500. Bus - Rs.30 to Rs.60. Train - Rs.20 to Rs.100. Auto - Rs.600 to Rs.800.
- Temple Instructions Devotees are instructed to dress traditionally: Men: Dhoti or formal attire (no shorts). Women: wear sarees, salwar kameez, or traditional clothes.
- Special Days and Special Happenings Pradosham – Bi-monthly observance dedicated to Lord Shiva, believed to remove past sins. Maha Shivaratri – A grand festival celebrating Lord Shiva, with special poojas and night-long prayers. Navaratri – Nine-day festival honoring Goddess Akhilandeswari with special decorations and poojas. Panguni Uthiram – Important for marriage and childbirth blessings. Aadi Fridays – Special prayers for women, particularly those seeking children. Thai Poosam – A sacred day for Lord Murugan, observed with devotion. Karthigai Deepam – The temple is illuminated with lamps to honor Lord Shiva. Monthly Sankatahara Chaturthi – Special poojas for Lord Ganesha.
- Rituals Available Not Available.
- Offerings At Sri Agasteeshwarar Karuvalarcheri Temple, devotees offer various sacred items as part of their prayers, particularly for fertility and safe childbirth. Ghee lamps (Deepam) are lit to seek the divine blessings of the deities for conception and a smooth pregnancy journey. Coconuts and fruits, symbolizing prosperity and well-being, are presented as offerings. A significant ritual at the temple is the Milk and Ghee Abhishekam, performed to Lord Agasteeshwarar and Goddess Karuvalarkuzhali, seeking fertility and a healthy pregnancy. Devotees also offer a Lemon Mala (Garland) to Goddess Karuvalarkuzhali, believing it provides protection during pregnancy. Additionally, fresh flowers and garlands are offered as a mark of devotion, purity, and gratitude to the divine. These sacred rituals and offerings reflect the deep faith of devotees in the temple’s divine grace.
- Prasadham The main prasadam is Ghee Prasadam, which is given to women who wish to conceive. Women take this ghee home and consume it daily with prayers. .Devotees visiting Sri Agasteeshwarar Karuvalarcheri Temple are offered special prasadam (sacred food) as part of the temple rituals. The prasadam includes a variety of traditional South Indian dishes, each prepared with devotion and care. Puliyodharai (Tamarind Rice), a tangy and flavorful rice dish, is a popular offering. Sakkarai Pongal (Sweet Pongal), On auspicious days, the temple organizes Annadanam (free food distribution), where a wholesome meal consisting of rice, sambar, poriyal (vegetable curry), and payasam (sweet dessert) is served to all devotees, symbolizing the temple's commitment to seva (service) and community well-being.
- Benefits of Visiting Expecting mothers pray here for protection from complications during pregnancy and delivery, ensuring the well-being of both mother and child. Women facing infertility also visit the temple, seeking divine intervention for conception and a blessed motherhood. Beyond fertility, the temple is known to bring prosperity, happiness, and harmony to families, fostering a peaceful domestic life. Worshipping Lord Agasteeshwarar (Shiva) and Goddess Karuvalarcheri Amman enhances spiritual growth, inner peace, and mental strength. Additionally, performing special pujas at the temple is believed to remove ancestral doshas, thereby ensuring a bright future for progeny. Many also visit the temple to seek blessings for marriage and a harmonious marital life, making it a significant spiritual destination for those looking for divine grace in various aspects of family and personal well-being.
- Is this temple a Paadal Petra Sthalam? Yes
- Who Sang | Song and its Meaning | Year Appar (Thirunavukkarasar), Sundarar, and Thirugnanasambandar | Thevaram | 7th–9th centuries CE.
- Other things to do / places of interest Garbharakshambigai Temple, Thirukarugavur (5 km). Srinivasa Ramanujam Monument (8.3 km). Sarkarai Padithurai Ghat (9.4 km). Kumbakonam Mahamaham Tank (10 km)
- Nearby Temples Airavatesvara Temple (Dharasuram). Nachiyar Kovil. Sarangapani Temple. Adi Kumbeswarar Temple. Ramaswamy Temple.
- Nearby Eateries Venkatramanaa Hotel. Sri Balaji Bhavan. Hotel Shanmuga Bhavan. Gowri Shankar Hotel. Raya’s Garden Restaurant
- Hotels / Home stays: Quality Inn VIHA. Hotel Green Park. Sara Regency. Kumbakonam Homestay. Navagraha Homestay.
- Standard Weather Sri Agasteeshwarar Temple in Karuvalarcheri, Kumbakonam, experiences a tropical climate with distinct seasonal variations. Overall, the temple remains warm and humid throughout the year, with the winter months providing the most comfortable conditions for devotees and tourists.
- For the best experience / Must know Sri Agasteeshwarar Karuvalarcheri Temple, located near Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu, is a revered shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva (Sri Agasteeshwarar) and Goddess Akhilandeshwari. The temple is renowned for its blessings of fertility and safe childbirth, attracting devotees who pray for progeny, smooth pregnancy, and child welfare. According to legend, Sage Agastya installed and worshipped Lord Shiva here, giving the temple its name. Goddess Akhilandeshwari is believed to provide maternal protection and prosperity. Special rituals include poojas and ghee lamp offerings by women seeking children, while pregnant women seek divine grace for a safe delivery. Major festivals such as Maha Shivaratri, Navaratri, and Panguni Uthiram are celebrated with great devotion. This temple remains a significant spiritual destination for couples and expectant mothers seeking divine blessings.
- Not to miss Don't miss the Sri Agasteeshwarar Temple in Karuvalarcheri, near Kumbakonam, a sacred shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. This ancient temple, associated with Sage Agastya, is renowned for its divine blessings, particularly for couples seeking childbirth. The presiding deities, Lord Agasteeshwarar and Goddess Akhilandeswari, are worshipped with great devotion, and the temple is believed to bestow fertility and ensure safe delivery. The sacred pond within the temple premises is considered highly spiritual for those praying for progeny. Built in the traditional Dravidian architectural style, the temple exudes a serene and divine ambiance. Devotees perform special poojas with ghee lamps and coconuts as offerings to fulfill their wishes. If you're visiting Kumbakonam, this temple is a must-visit to seek divine grace and blessings for a prosperous family life.
- Note for Travelers Sri Agasteeshwarar Karuvalarcheri Temple is accessible via multiple modes of transport. By air, the nearest airport is Tiruchirappalli International Airport (TRZ), located approximately 100 km away. From there, travelers can hire taxis or take buses to reach Kumbakonam. By train, the Kumbakonam Railway Station, situated around 10 km from the temple, is well connected to major cities like Chennai, Trichy, and Thanjavur, making rail travel a convenient option. By road, regular buses and taxis are available from Kumbakonam Bus Stand, and private vehicles can also be hired for a comfortable journey. The best time to visit the temple is early mornings or evenings, ensuring a peaceful darshan. It is advisable to avoid the peak summer months from April to June due to high temperatures.
Opening Hours
Monday:
6:00 AM - 12:00 PM & 4:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Tuesday:
6:00 AM - 12:00 PM & 4:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Wednesday:
6:00 AM - 12:00 PM & 4:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Thursday:
6:00 AM - 12:00 PM & 4:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Closed
Friday:
6:00 AM - 12:00 PM & 4:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Saturday:
6:00 AM - 12:00 PM & 4:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Sunday:
6:00 AM - 12:00 PM & 4:00 PM - 8:30 PM
FAQ's
Where is Sri Agasteeshwarar Karuvalarcheri Temple located?
Sri Agasteeshwarar Temple is located in Karuvalarcheri, near Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu. It is about 10 km from Kumbakonam town.
What is the significance of Sri Agasteeshwarar Karuvalarcheri Temple?
This temple is believed to be highly powerful for blessings related to childbirth and fertility. Devotees pray here for safe pregnancy and the well-being of newborns.
What is the history or legend of the temple?
It is said that Sage Agastya worshipped Lord Shiva here, hence the name Agasteeshwarar. The goddess here is worshipped as Karuvalarkkannamma, which means "Mother who nurtures the womb." Many couples and pregnant women visit the temple for fertility and safe delivery blessings.
How can I reach Sri Agasteeshwarar Karuvalarcheri Temple?
By Road: Well-connected from Kumbakonam (10 km). Buses and taxis are available. By Train: The nearest railway station is Kumbakonam Railway Station (10 km). By Air: The nearest airport is Trichy International Airport, around 90 km away.
What prasadam is offered at the temple?
Ghee prasadam – Given to expectant mothers for a safe pregnancy. Oil prasadam – Used for applying on the stomach for fertility and pregnancy-related blessings.
Can I perform special poojas for childbirth blessings?
Yes, Special poojas like Garbharaksha Pooja and Archana can be performed. Devotees can book poojas at the temple counter.
