The Presiding Deity at the Airavateshwara Temple Darasuram – Lord Airavatheshwarar is present with His Consort Periya Nayaki Amman.
Darasuram is at a distance of 4.5 Kms from Kumbakonam Railway Station and Kumbakonam Bus Stand. Frequent Bus services are available from Kumbakonam. The Legend of this temple is connected to that at Thiruvalanchuzhi. Sage Dhurvasa honoured Indran by presenting him a special garland. Sage Dhurvasa had obtained this garland from Lakshmi. Indran, after receiving the garland placed it on the head of Airavatam, his elephant. Airavatam, threw it on the ground and trampled it. Sage Dhurvasa was very angry with the brash behaviour of Indran and cursed him. He cursed Indran that he and his followers would be deprived of all their strength, wealth & power. He also cursed Airavatham, Indiran’s elephant. He had cursed Airavatham to lose his sheen and the pure white complexion. Lord Shiva restored Airavatham’s original complexion and sheen after the latter worshiped Him here. This is perhaps one temple where the legend can take a back seat. The pooja performed are very minimum to avoid any damage whatsoever. Even during festival days pooja is performed only to specific Deity.
The magnificent Airavateshwara Temple Darasuram was built by Rajaja Cholan II. This is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is maintained by the ASI. This temple is one of the three Great Living Chola Temples; the other two are Brahdeeshwara Temple at Thanjavur and Gangaikondacholeeswaram at Gangai Konda Cholapuram. Airavateshwara Temple Darasuram is literally a repertory of finely carved architecture of the highest caliber. The workmanship here is probably more detailed than the ones at Brahadeeshwara Temple or Gangaikonda Cholapuram. Absolutely Wowed by the beauty and splendour of Airavateshwara Temple Darasuram!!!
Location of Airavateshwara Temple Darasuram
View Rajamala’s Maps in a larger mapTravel base: Kumbakonam
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