Ambigai for relief, who appeared as Garbharakshambigai and protected the fetus in a pot. The child was born on the right time, who was named Naithruvan. From then on, the presiding deity is worshiped by people seeking child birth. History 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. 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. Architecture Thirukarukavoor Temple is dedicated to Shiva and is located near Papanasam, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India. The nearest railway station is in Papanasam, about 3 kilometres from the place. The nearest airport is in Trichy. Thirukarukavoor is situated in Thirukkarugavur, a village located on the banks of Vettar River, a tributary of River Cauveri. People from Chennai and northern parts of Tamil Nadu may reach Kumbakonam and from there to Thirukarukavoor. People from east and southern parts of Tamil Nadu must reach Thanjavur and from there to Thirukarukavoor. The temple is one of the prominent and most visited temples in the district. The temple has a 5-tier Rajagopuram and an outer prakaram(closed precincts of a temple). The temple is 460 ft by 284 ft and has a gopuram facing east and also has an entrance facing south. There is a garden in the southern side and a Vasantha Mandapam in the north. The sanctum of Mullaivananathar is in the second precinct and the shrine of Amman is located parallel to the Swami shrine. The shrine is Nandi is located in front of Swami, with the Palipeeda and Dwajasthambam located right behind