Sri vadapalani Garbarakshambigai Temple — Attraction in Zone 10 Kodambakkam

The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the Nayanmars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam. A granite wall surrounds the temple, enclosing all its shrines. The temple has a five-tiered Rajagopuram, the gateway tower. The temple is located on the banks of Vennaru river.

The temple is open from 6am - 1 pm and 4pm - 8:00 pm on all days. Six daily rituals and three yearly festivals are held at the temple, of which the Vaikasi Visagam for Mullaivananathar, Adipooram and Navarathri uthsavam for Ambal, Annabishekam, Kanthasashti, Karthigai Mahadeepam, Karthigai Sunday theerthavari and Panguni Uthram are some of the prominent festivals celebrated. Abhishekam using 1008 conches is performed to Lord Shiva on all Sundays in the Tamil month of Karthikai (Nov-Dec).] The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu. Garbharakshambigai is believed to have saved a fetus of her devotee (Vedhikai, wife of Sage Nithruvan)and hence the temple is frequented by people praying for child birth. The temple has 31 inscriptions dating from the Chola period from the reigns of Koperi Varman, Rajaraja I, Rajendra Chola I and Kulothunga Chola. The inscriptions record the grants of the temple by the kings. The inscriptions are found on the walls of the temple, sanctum and also in the halls. The inscriptions are recorded in numbers 100, 102 and 110 in South Indian Inscriptions, Volume III, Part III.[7] The inscription from the 21st year of Parantaka I records the grant of 1.5 veli of land (roughly 6 acres of land) by an individual named Vilayanattevan for maintaining ghee lamps of the temple. Another inscription from the 20th regnal year of the same king indicates a donation of 13 veli (roughly 52 acres of land) by a devotee named Tiruchitrambala Udayar to meet the expenses of the temple. The temple has additions from various ruling empires during the subsequent eras.The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu. The temple finds mention in Tevaram, the 7th century 12 volume Saiva canonical work by Tamil saints, namely Appar, Sundarar and Campantar. It is one of the shrines of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams glorified in the Saiva canon.[13] The temple also finds mention in Periya Puranam by Sezhkizhar, Siva Ksehtra Sivanamaga Kalivenba by Umapathi Sivam and Vinnapakali Venba by Ramalinga Adigal.[13] Thalapuranam by Ambalavana Pandaram, Nanmaimalai & Rettaimanimalai by Veerabathra swamigal, Pathirru Panthathi by Govindaswami Pillai, Vadamozhi Slogangal by Anatharama Dikshithar and Amman thothirangal Tamilpattu by T.S. Vaithiyanathan are some of the religious works associated with the temple.[13] The temple is one of the five Pancha Aranya Sthalams, the temples named after forest. Aranyam means forest and the following five temples at different forests Thanjavur / Kumbakonam / Thiruvarur region are revered as "Pancha Aranya Sthalams".The five temples are Mullaivananathar Temple at Tirukkarugavur – Mullai vanam, Satchi Nathar Temple at Avalivanallur – Paadhiri vanam, Paathaaleswarar Temple at Thiru Aradaipperumpazhi (Haridwara mangalam) – Vanni vanam, Aapathsahayeswarar Temple at Thiru Erumpoolai (Alangudi) – Poolai vanam and Vilvavaneswarar Temple at Thirukollam Pudhur – Vilva vanam.[14] Vaikasi Visagam for Mullaivananathar, Adipooram and Navarathri uthsavam for Ambal, Annabishekam, Kanthasashti, Karthigai Mahadeepam, Karthigai Sunday theerthavari and Panguni Uthram are some of the prominent...

This is first time I visited ,the priest who speaks English was bit rude ,gave a negative feeling..He wasn’t helpful atall ..I don’t know to draw the Padi (steps kolam) I’m not used to …he gave a scarstic look …it’s not necessary everyone is expert in sketching the kolam .,I asked him if my husband can help me ..he ignored and .however he erased and drew it by himself ,but somehow i felt bad and a bit u understanding a negative feeling ,and later he asked me to complete the process .by keeping coin .We come to temple for peace ,happiness and positivity such priest vibes definitely moods off the entire process …kindly I hope others don’t face such concern …overall the surroundings is calm and nice...

I had been to this Temple along with my family on 24/02/2023. Divine and impressive Temple. Sri Mullaivananathar and Annai Garbharakshambigai are blessing would be Mothers and Mothers-in- waiting.

We performed Pooja for our daughter's safe delivery. On Thursdays, specific abishekam to Amman is performed at 11am. Great experience.

Location of Temple may test our searching skills. The Othavadai street in vadapalani area, leading to the Temple is too narrow for driving a four wheeler.

Best choice for those who are unable to go to similar Temple at Tirukarukkavur village near Kumbakonam. Good wishes to the Temple Authorities. Jai Shree Ram. 🙏...