Darasuram, Airavateshwara Temple, TamilNadu, India - Photo gallery by Sundar Palaniappan
a Twelfth century Chola Monument constructed by Rajaraja Chola II
Airavateshwara Temple was built by Rajaraja Chola II ( AD. 1146-73 ) and is situated in the village of Darasuram which is situated 2kms southwest of Kumbakonam. Walls of the temple are adorned with the images of NagaRaja ( king of snakes ), Dhakshinamurthi ( lord facing south ) and lord Shiva.
Since the Easwaran is worshiped by the Airavatam ( white elephant ) of king of gods, Indran, lord Shiva is called Airavateshwaran.
This little visited Chola monument ranks alongside other chola monuments at Thajavur and Gangaikondacholapuram of same era. During its heydays, Darasuram was known as Rajarajapuram and was part of the second capital of the Cholas - Pazhaiyarai.
Veerabhathirar Temple
Behind the Amman temple, one could see the ruined Veerabhathirar temple which is believed to be built even before the Airavateshvara temple and the Raja gopuram of this temple is constructed with mortar and bricks. It is also believed that the great Tamil poet Ottakkoothar of Chola era attained his Jeeva Samadhi at this Veerabhathirar temple.
Main gopuram of Airavateshwara Darasuram Temple, TamilNadu, India
Amman Temple Darasuram, TamilNadu, India
Veerabhathirar Temple situated on the road to Pateeswaram
Eastern gopuram of Darasuram Temple which is situated near Kumbakonam, TamilNadu, India
famous bull elephant bas-relief which can be found at the first cave of Badami
built like a Chariot
12th century Chola Monument
Main gopuram of Airavateshwara Darasuram Temple, Tamilnadu, India
image of lord Dhakshinamurthi adorning the wall of Darasuram Temple, Tamilnadu, India
NagaRaja - the snake king - with a hood of snakes, Tamilnadu, India
Lord Brahma - the lord of creation
Yali Pillar
Eastern gopuram of Darasuram temple
Unfinished eastern entrance of Darasuram temple