அருள்மிகு கர்ப்பரட்சாம்பிகை சமேத முல்லைவனநாத சுவாமி திருக்கோயில், திருக்கருகாவூர்
Shiva (Mullaivananathar) temple · Thirukarukavur, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India
Arulmigu Mullaivananathar and Garbharakshambigai Temple at Thirukarukavur (PIN 614 302), Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu, stands on the bed of the Vettaru, a branch of the Cauvery, about 20 km north-east of Thanjavur and 20 km south-west of Kumbakonam (Thanjavur district administration). It is a Shiva temple sung in the Tevaram by all three Moovar saints (Dinamani).
Faith & Tradition
The goddess Garbharakshambigai, 'the protector of the womb', is worshipped by women seeking children and safe childbirth. Dinamalar describes the temple's practices: ghee consecrated before the goddess is given to childless women to consume for 48 nights, and castor oil blessed at her feet is given to pregnant women for use during labour. Devotees who receive their wish tie cradles and offer tulabharam.
Devotees also clean the temple steps with ghee praying for marriage, and those with skin diseases offer 'punugu chattam' to Mullaivananathar (Dinamalar).
Heritage
Temple tradition, recorded by Dinamani, holds that the sage Gautama was freed here of the sin of killing a cow after bathing in the sacred waters and worshipping a linga, later called Gautameswarar.
Plan Your Visit
Confirm darshan timings and prayer procedures with the temple office before visiting.
Timings and arrangements change with seasons and festivals. Confirm current details with the temple administration before travelling. Last reviewed 6 October 2026.
Location
Thirukarukavur is about 20 km north-east of Thanjavur and 20 km south-west of Kumbakonam, on the Vettaru river (Thanjavur district administration).
Location: Thirukarukavur, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India
More in Hindu temples in Tamil Nadu · Shiva (Mullaivananathar) temples
Questions
At Thirukarukavur, about 20 km from both Thanjavur and Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu.
The goddess Garbharakshambigai is worshipped for conception and safe childbirth.
Ghee consecrated before the goddess, which childless women consume for 48 nights, according to Dinamalar.
Shiva as Mullaivananathar, with the goddess Garbharakshambigai.
Yes, all three Tevaram saints sang of it, Dinamani notes.
Further reading: Mullaivananathar – Garbharakshambigai Temple, Thirukarukavur on Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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