“Airavatham”

Written by: Keelambur Shankarasubramanian
Editor: Kalaimagal

Airavatham, the white elephant, serves as the vehicle of Indra, the king of the gods. According to legends, this majestic elephant emerged when the gods and demons churned the ocean of milk.

In the Mayiladuthurai district, the Swetharanyeswarar Temple is located in Thiruvengadu. Lord Shiva here is known as Swetharanyeswarar, and the goddess is called Brahma Vidyaambigai.

This temple is revered and sung about by the four great Tamil Saiva saints: Sambandar, Appar, Sundarar, and Manickavasagar. It is also known as the sacred place where Indra’s white elephant, Airavatham, worshipped Lord Shiva.

Airavatham, the white elephant of Indra, was cursed by sage Durvasa for disrespecting the garland of Tulasi that was offered to Lord Vishnu. To rid itself of the curse, Airavatham worshipped Muktheeswarar in Madurai, as per the temple’s lore.

Since Lord Shiva granted liberation (mukti) to Airavatham, he is also referred to as Airavatheeswarar. Following the event of liberation, the region where the temple is located came to be known as Airavathanallur.

At the Thirupparankundram Temple, the presiding deity (Moolavar) is carved from the rock itself, and hence, no abhishekam (ritual bathing) is performed for the deity. Instead, oil and perfume are applied. However, abhishekam is performed only for the Vel (spear) held by Lord Murugan.

Inside the sanctum of the temple, at the feet of Lord Murugan, an elephant is depicted. It is said that after Lord Murugan’s marriage to Indra’s daughter, Indra offered his divine vehicle, Airavatham, as part of the dowry. Not wanting to part with the sacred elephant, Airavatham is believed to have followed Lord Murugan to Thirupparankundram after the marriage.

At Tharasuram, there is a temple where it is believed that Airavatham worshipped a Shiva Lingam. The Shiva Lingam here is called Airavatheeswarar in honor of the elephant’s devotion. This temple, renowned for its intricate sculptures and architectural brilliance, is said to have been built by Rajaraja Chola II.

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