Have you heard of Goddess Garbharakshambigai? She’s the divine protector of wombs for women! Did you know there is a temple in M’sia that honour her?

• Pasir Gudang Sri Dewi Karumariamman temple, Jalan Patin 8, Taman Tanjong Puteri Resort 

Speaking about the story of the goddess….

Long ago, Sage Nidhruva and his wife Vedhika lived a simple and spiritual life in their peaceful ashram. Their days were filled with prayers, rituals, and devotion. Yet, their hearts carried one unfulfilled longing, the blessing of a child.

Years of sincere prayers were finally answered. Vedhika conceived, and joy filled their humble home. The couple eagerly awaited the arrival of their child, believing it to be a divine gift.

One day, Sage Nidhruva left the ashram on a spiritual journey. Vedhika, who was in the final stage of her pregnancy, was weak and exhausted. That afternoon, Sage Urdhvapada arrived at the ashram. Vedhika, unable to rise due to her condition, did not welcome him.

Misunderstanding her silence as disrespect, the sage grew angry. In a moment of rage, he cursed her, condemning her to suffer and declaring that the life growing inside her womb would perish.

Vedhika was shattered.

Helpless and terrified, she cried out to Goddess Parvati with all her heart. Her prayers were not filled with anger, but with surrender and faith.

Moved by her devotion, the Divine Mother appeared before her in a radiant form, Garbarakshambigai, the protector of the womb.

With boundless compassion, the Goddess performed a miracle. She gently removed the damaged foetus from Vedhika’s womb and placed it safely inside a sacred kalasam, a divine pot, protecting it as a mother protects her child. Time passed.

Under the Goddess’ watchful grace, the child grew safely inside the kalasam. When the moment was right, the baby was returned to Vedhika healthy, whole, and alive. But Vedhika was too weak to feed her newborn.

At that very moment, Kamadhenu, the celestial cow, appeared and nourished the child with divine milk, completing the miracle.

When Sage Nidhruva returned and learned of the Goddess’ mercy, he fell at her feet in gratitude. With tears in his eyes, he prayed that she remains in that sacred place forever to protect every mother, every unborn child, and every family that sought her grace.

The Goddess granted his wish.From that day, she came to be worshipped as Garbarakshambigai, the mother who protects life even before it is born. Centuries have passed, but her presence is still felt.

Even today, women who long for a child and mothers who pray for safe delivery come to this temple with hope. They believe that just as the Goddess protected Vedhika’s child, she continues to protect theirs.

For devotees, this is not just a story from the past. It is a living reminder that when faith trembles, the Divine Mother holds life together.

Source / Image Credit : sukanyasmusings , garbarakshambigai.org , Sri Eswaran , Vidya