Airavatesvara Temple, Darasuram – Legends
The Airavatesvara temple is dedicated to Lord
Shiva. Shiva is known as Airavatesvara
here, because he was worshipped at this temple by Airavata, the white elephant of the king of the gods, Indra.
Legend has it that Airavata, while suffering from a
change of colour curse from Sage Durvasa, had its colours restored by bathing
in the sacred waters of this temple. This legend is commemorated by an image of
Airavata with Indra seated in an inner shrine. The temple and the
presiding deity derive its name from this incident.
It is said that the King of Death, Yama also worshipped Shiva here. Tradition has it Yama,
who was suffering under a Rishi's curse to form a burning sensation all over
the body, was cured by the presiding deity Airavatesvara.
Yama took bath in the sacred tank and got rid of the
burning sensation. Since then the tank has been known as Yamateertham. It
gets its supply of fresh water from the river Kaveri and is 228 feet in width.
Pilgrims make a point to bathe in the tank.
