Airavatesvara Temple, Darasuram, Thanjavur

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;

http://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2015/12/airavatesvara-temple-darasuram-legends.html

History

For brief details, refer below;

http://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2015/12/airavatesvara-temple-darasuram-history.html

Architecture

For brief details, refer below;

http://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2015/12/airavatesvara-temple-darasuram_0.html

Subsidiary Shrines

For brief details, refer below;

http://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2015/12/airavatesvara-temple-darasuram_91.html

Depiction of Stories of Shaiva Saints

For brief details, refer below;

http://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2015/12/airavatesvara-temple-darasuram_11.html

Inscriptions

For brief details, refer below;

http://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2015/12/airavatesvara-temple-darasuram_16.html

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;

http://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2015/12/airavatesvara-temple-darasuram_47.html