Darasuram Airavatesvara Temple, Kumbakonam

Address

Darasuram Airavatesvara Temple, Gurunathan Pillai Colony, Dharasuram, Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu 612702

Deity

Airavatesvara Amman: Theivanayagi

Introduction

• Location: Darasuram, near Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, India.
• Significance: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, part of the Great Living Chola Temples along with the Brihadeeshwara Temple at Thanjavur and the Gangaikondacholeswaram Temple at Gangaikonda Chola Puram.
• Construction: Built by Rajaraja Chola II in the 12th century CE. Known for its intricate Dravidian architecture and detailed stone carvings.

Puranic Significance:

• Deity: The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is worshipped here as Airavatesvara. The name derives from Airavata, the white elephant of Indra, the king of gods.
• Legend: According to legend, Airavata was cured of a curse by bathing in the sacred waters of this temple. This event is commemorated by an image of Airavata with Indra in an inner shrine.
• Yama’s Connection: The temple’s sacred tank, Yamateertham, is believed to have healed Yama, the king of death, from a burning sensation. Pilgrims bathe in this tank for its purifying qualities.

Historical Context:

• King Rajaraja Chola II: Ruled the Chola Empire from 1146 to 1172 CE. The temple was part of his secondary capital city, Ayirattali, also known as Pazhaiyarai.
• Architectural Legacy: The temple was once part of a larger complex with seven streets and courts, akin to the Srirangam temple. Most of these structures are now in ruins, likely due to invasions and wars.
• Destruction and Restoration: The temple, like other Chola-era structures, suffered from destruction during various invasions, including those by the Delhi Sultanate. It was later restored by the Vijayanagara Empire in the 14th century.

Beliefs:

• Marriage and Fortune: Women seeking marriage blessings light a lamp for four weeks during the Rahu period on Tuesdays and Fridays. It is believed that worshiping Airavatesvara helps calm anger and bring patience.

Special Features:

• Art and Architecture: The temple is renowned for its exquisite stone carvings and detailed artwork, though smaller than the Brihadeesvara and Gangaikondacholapuram Temples.
• Sculptures and Reliefs: The temple features intricate reliefs on the base depicting the stories of the sixty-three Shaiva Bhakti saints (Nayanars). The outer walls of the sanctum have niches with various Hindu deities, including different aspects of Shiva.
• Mandapam and Shrines: In the south-west corner, a mandapam has four shrines, one dedicated to Yama and others with sculpted images of celestial nymphs (sapthamathas). The emergence of the Amman shrine reflects the integration of Devi worship in South Indian temple complexes.
• Inscriptions: Numerous inscriptions record the temple’s history, including renovations by Kulottunga Chola III and details of the 63 Saivacharya on the north wall.

Festivals:

• Pradosha
• Shivaratri
• Full Moon

Century/Period/Age

12th century CE

Managed By

UNESCO world heritage site

Nearest Bus Station

Darasuram

Nearest Railway Station

Kumbakkonam

Nearest Airport

Trichy

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