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| Airavatesvara Temple, Darasuram, TN |
The Airavatesvara Temple, located in Darasuram near Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, is an architectural marvel built by Rajaraja Chola II in the 12th century CE. It is one of the three temples recognized as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site called the "Great Living Chola Temples." Alongside the Brihadeeswara Temple at Thanjavur and the Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple, the Airavatesvara Temple stands out for its artistic and architectural detail.
The Legend of Airavata
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple takes its name from Airavata, the white elephant of Indra. According to legend, Airavata lost his pure white color due to a curse and regained it after worshiping Shiva at this temple. The temple features a square sanctum (garbhagriha) housing a 1.5-meter-tall Shiva linga. The sanctum is connected to a series of mandapas, including the magnificent Rajagambhiram Thirumandapam, which is designed to resemble a chariot. In this design, Lord Shiva rides as Tripurantaka, the destroyer of three demon brothers, pulled by galloping horses and elephants with Lord Brahma as the charioteer.
Architectural Grandeur
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| Airavatesvara Temple, Darasuram, TN |
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| Darasuram UNESCO temple image Arjun Duvvuru -upload.wikimedia.org |
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| Chariot detail, Airavatesvara temple, Tamil Nadu en.wikipedia.org |
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| Airavatesvara Temple, Darasuram, TN en.wikipedia.org |
The temple’s artistic elements, such as the Yali pillars and intricate carvings of deities like Agni, Indra, and Brahma, reflect the Chola dynasty’s unparalleled skill in stonework. Surrounding the temple is a large courtyard, enclosed by high walls adorned with stone bulls, symbolic of Nandi, Lord Shiva’s vahana.
Destruction and Restoration
The Airavatesvara Temple faced damage during invasions by the Delhi Sultanate in the early 14th century. Malik Kafur, Khusrau Khan, and Ulugh Khan raided and looted several South Indian temples, including this one, hoping to find treasures. Despite the destruction, the temple was restored during the Vijayanagara period, and its glory was revived under Hindu rule. The shrine dedicated to Periya Nayaki Amman (Parvati), added later by Kulothunga Chola III, marks a new tradition in temple design, where separate shrines were built for Shiva’s consort.
Preservation and Legacyhttps://www.navrangindia.in/2018/12/airavathesvara-temple-darasuram-tn.html
Today, the temple is managed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), preserving its architectural beauty. Visitors are drawn to its rich heritage and elaborate sculptures, making it a must-see for art and history lovers.
https://www.dham-yatra.com/blog/2020/03/28/airavatesvara-temple-the-glory-of-chola-architecture/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airavatesvara_Temple
https://www.navrangindia.in/2018/12/airavathesvara-temple-darasuram-tn.html
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