| Description:
This Shivastalam is located near Papanasam, near Kumbhakonam. Avalivanallur
and Tirunallur are some of the Shivastalams
nearby. Tirukkarukaavur is considered to be the 18th in the series of
Tevara Stalams in the Chola kingdom located south of the river Kaveri. This Shivastalam is known more, for its shrine to Garbarakshakambika.
Legend has it that Parvati is assisted a helpless lady in her
motherhood and saved her (foetus) offspring, and hence the name
Karukaavoor. Ganapati and Nandi are also Swayambus here. Shiva, Parvati and Subramanya
shrines are constructed in the Somaskanda formation.
Worship services carried out here are believed to help barren couples in obtaining
progeny. As in the legend mentioned , worship services carried out here, are also believed
to aid in healthy pregnancies.
This temple occupies an area of about 125000 sq ft. The chariot shaped
shrine of Nataraja is of great beauty. The prakaram circling Shiva's shrine is enclosed by
a wall, crowned with a gopuram at its entrance. Ambal's shrine, is a separate one, located
to the North (left) of Shiva's shrine, and Subramanya'rs shrine is located in between,
as said before, in the Somaskanda formation. Ardhanareeswarar occupies the niche on
the Western part of the sanctum and this leads one to infer that the stone structure of
the temple could date back to the time of Aditya Chola. Inscriptions from Raja Raja
Chola's period as well as those from Parantaka Chola's period (early 10th century) are
seen here.
Festivals: Five worship services are offered here each day. The annual
Bhrammotsavam is celebrated in the month of Vaikasi. Other festivals celebrated include
Arudra Darisanam, Kartikai Deepam, Aadi Pooram and Navaratri for Ambal, Skanda Sashti,
Aippasi Pournami, Mahasivaratri. .. |
