Mullaivana Nathar Temple

Origin/History :-

1. Thirukarukavur Temple has a rich history, with its origins dating back to before the 7th century, as evident from hymns by saints Thirugnanasambandar and Thirunavukkarasu Swamigal.
2. The temple was reconstructed in stone during the Chozha period, with inscriptions documenting endowments for lamps, Naivedyam, and celebrations supported by land and cattle donations managed by the Karukavur Sabha.
3. Inscriptions from the reigns of Chozha kings, including Madurai Konda Koparakesarivarman, Rajaraja Chozha I, Rajendra Chozha I, Kulothunga Chozha I, and Vikrama Chozha, refer to Lord Shiva with titles like Thirukarukavur Mahadevar and Thirumullai Vanamudaya Mahadevar.
4. The temple was historically administered under Vadakarai Pambur Natti during Koparakesarivarman's reign and later as Nithavinothavalanattu Aavur Kootrathu Thirukarukavur under Rajaraja Chozha I.
5. An inscription from Koparakesarivarman’s period records a perpetual lamp endowment by Chamundamurthy, a merchant from Nandhipuram, with land gifted to the temple near the Utplaru (now Uppanaru) river.

Puranic Significance :-

1. Sthalapuranam 1 :

According to legend, the lingam at Thirukarukavur was discovered amidst jasmine plants, leading to the deity being revered as "Sri Mullai Vana Nathar." Notably, marks of the creepers surrounding the lingam can still be seen today. This self-manifested lingam, which is large in size, formed from the mud of an ant-hill and is always covered with a metal bowl known as "Kuvalai" in Tamil.

As a result, direct “abhishekam” (ritual bathing) is not performed on the lingam; instead, only “Punuhu” (civet) is applied. Devotees suffering from incurable diseases visit the temple on Pradosham days during the full moon fortnight to offer "Punugu Chattam" to Lord Shiva in hopes of relief from their ailments. The lord is also praised as "Sri Bhavaroga Nivaaranan," believed to be the deity who alleviates devotees' sins and suffering.

1. Sthalapuranam 2 :

Another legend associated with Thirukarukavur Temple involves Vedhikai, the wife of Sage Nithruvan. It is believed that the couple resided in this area and worshipped Sri Mullaivana Nathar and Goddess Parvathi in hopes of being blessed with a child.

One day, while Vedhikai was in the advanced stages of pregnancy, she became tired and rested at home while her husband was away. During this time, a passing sage named Urthuvapadar felt thirsty and tried to call for someone from her house. When no one responded, he looked inside and saw Vedhikai asleep. Not realising she was pregnant, he cursed her and departed. As a consequence of the curse, her foetus disintegrated.

Upon waking and noticing the sage leaving, Vedhikai felt uneasy and realised something was wrong with her body. Fearing she had been cursed, she prayed to Goddess Parvathi for help. The goddess appeared before her and preserved the foetus in a “Kalas” (sacred pot) until it matured into a fully grown male child, whom they named “Naidhuruvan.”

Later, Vedhikai sought further assistance from the goddess, as she had no milk to feed her child. In response, the goddess directed Kamadhenu, the divine cow, to the temple to provide nourishment. It is said that Kamadhenu created a “Milk tank” (“Ksheera kundam”) by scratching the earth in front of the temple with her hoof. This tank is still visible today.

 It is believed that when Sage Nithruvan learned from his wife about the events that transpired, he prayed to Goddess Parvathi to protect all pregnant women who visit this temple to worship her. The goddess agreed to his request and has been blessing devotees ever since. Consequently, she is revered as “Sri Garbarakshambigai,” where "Garbham" means pregnancy, "Raksha" means to protect, and "Ambikai" refers to goddess in Sanskrit.

The Tamil name “Sri Karu Katha Nayaki” is derived from "Karu," meaning foetus, "katha," meaning protector, and "nayaki," meaning goddess. This incident led to the place being called “Thiru Karu Katha Oor,” which has since evolved into Thiru Karu Kavoor.

Additionally, it is believed that Lord Brahma, Chandran (the Moon God), and Kamadhenu have worshipped the lord at this temple. Notable figures such as Kings Kujaththuvasan, Sangukarnan, and Punniyathuvasan, as well as sages Nithruvan, Gowthama, and Kaarkkiyar, have also sought the lord’s blessings here.