Airavatesvara Temple, Darasuram
Also known as: ஐராவதேஸ்வரர் கோயில் (தாராசுரம்) · ఐరావతేశ్వర ఆలయం (దారాసురం) · ऐरावतेश्वर मंदिर (दारासुरम)
Tamil Nadu Shiva
A 12th-century Chola temple at Darasuram, a suburb of Kumbakonam, shaped like a stone chariot. A UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Deity
- Airavatesvara (Shiva), Periya Nayaki Amman (separate shrine)
- Tradition
- Shiva
- Place
- Darasuram (Kumbakonam), Thanjavur
- State
- Tamil Nadu
- Sacred tank / theertham
- Temple tank, fed by a channel from the Kaveri
- Era
- 12th century, completed 1166 CE (Rajaraja II, Chola).
Sthala Puranam
Airavata, the white elephant of Indra, regained his clean white skin after bathing in the temple's tank, which is fed by a channel from the Kaveri. The story is carved in stone in the inner shrine and gives the temple its name.
Speciality
- Part of the 'Great Living Chola Temples', a UNESCO World Heritage Site (inscribed 1987, extended 2004).
- Built by Rajaraja II and completed in 1166 CE.
- The 'singing steps' on the east side give out a musical note.
- The front hall (agra mandapa) is shaped like a chariot, with carved wheels and horses.
How to reach
By airTiruchirappalli Airport, about 95–105 km.
By trainKumbakonam Junction; Darasuram is a few km away.
By roadDarasuram lies on the edge of Kumbakonam. Autos and local buses run from Kumbakonam.
Location is approximate.
Before you go
- Dress modestly. Leave footwear outside the temple.
- Timings, ticket rules and dress codes change. Check the temple's own notice or website before you travel.
- Book darshan, rooms and special poojas only at the official counter or website, not through agents.
- Visit with the Brihadisvara temple at Thanjavur if you are touring the Chola temples.
Prayers for this temple
Sources
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