Garbharakshambigai Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva located in Thirukarukavoor, Tamil Nadu, India. The temple is located east of Papanasam, south east of Kumbakonam, north of Saliyamangalam, north east of Thanjavur and on the southern bank of Vettar River. Nearest railway station is Papanasam Railway Station, which is 5 kms away from Thirukarukavoor. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is believed to have been built during the Cholas period in the 7th century. Shiva is worshipped as Mullaivananathar and his consort Parvathi as Garbharakshambigai. 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. Legend The place is also called Tirukalavur, Mullaivanam, Mathavipuram and Garabapuri. Since Mathavi is the temple tree, it is called Mathavipuram (Mullaivanam); Karu means fetus, Ka means save and oor means village - Since fetus is believed to be saved by the temple deity, the village is called Tirukarukavoor. As per Hindu legend, a sage named Niruthuvar was living near the banks for river Vennar along with his wife Vedikai. One day, when the sage went out, another sage named Orthuvapathar arrived at their house seeking food. Vedika was pregnant then and due to tiredness, she was taking time to bring food. Orthuvapathar felt that the lady inside the house was humiliating her and he cursed her due to which the fetus was killed. Vedikai prayed to