Airavatesvara Temple, Darasuram, Thanjavur
Airavatesvara Temple is a Hindu temple of Dravidian architecture located in the town of Darasuram, near Kumbakonam in the South
Indian state of Tamilnadu. This temple, built by Rajaraja
Chola II in the 12th
century CE is
a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the Brihadeeshwara Temple at Thanjavur, the Gangaikondacholeswaram Temple at Gangaikonda Chola Puram that are referred to as
the Great Living Chola Temples.
This 12th Century AD Airavatesvara Temple in Darasuram
(originally called Raja Rajeswaram) was the third in the series of temples
built by the great Chozha Kings of that time. It is a marvel and a
standing example of the architectural expertise and 'work on stone' of the Chozha
kings. The Jagannath Puri temple in Konarak is believed to have taken
inspiration from Darasuram architectural master piece.
The detailed and heavily ornamented pillars and richly
sculpted walls make the Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram a classic example of
Chola art and architecture.
Etymology
The lingam is believed to have been worshipped by
Indra’s white elephant (Airavatham) and hence the name ‘Airavateshwarar’.
Legends
For brief details, refer below;
History
For brief details, refer below;
Architecture
For brief details, refer below;
Subsidiary Shrines
For brief details, refer below;
Depiction of Stories of Shaiva Saints
For brief details, refer below;
Inscriptions
For brief details, refer below;
UNESCO World Heritage Site
This temple was added to the list of Great Living Chola Temples in the year 2004. The Great Living Chola Temples
includes the Brihadeeshwara Temple at Thanjavur, the Temple of Gangaikondacholeswaram at Gangaikonda
Cholapuram and the Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram. All of these temples
were built by the Cholas between the 10th and 12th centuries CE and have a lot
of similarities.
Entry Time & Fees
·
Admission is free.
·
No fee for still
photography/ videography with handheld cameras.
·
Hours of opening: 0630 hrs to 2030 hrs on all days.
For all other types of photography and videography, the
Superintending Archaeologist, A.S.I Chennai Circle, Chennai-9 may be contacted
(Ph. 044- 25670396/25670397).
Connectivity
For brief details, refer below;
