Airavatesvara Temple is a Hindu temple of Dravidian architecture located in the town of Darasuram, near Kumbakonam in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. This temple, built by Rajaraja Chola II in the 12th century CE is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the Brihadeeswara Temple at Thanjavur, the Gangaikondacholisvaram Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram that are referred to as the Great Living Chola Temples.
Legends Associated with This Shrine
Here, Lord Shiva is worshipped by Airavata, the white elephant of the king of the gods, Yama worshippedIndra.Airavata, while suffering from a change of colour curse from Sage Durvasa, had its colours restored by bathing in the sacred waters of this temple. TheYama worshipped Shiva. Yama, who was suffering under a Rishi’s curse from a burning sensation all over the body, was cured by the presiding deity Airavatesvarar. Yama took bath in the sacred tank and got rid of the burning sensation. Since then the tank has been known as Yamateertham. The renovation of the shrines by Kulottunga Chola III.The north wall of the verandah consists of 108 sections of inscriptions, each containing the name and description and image of the Saivacharya listing the principal events in their life.Another inscription close to the gopura indicates that an image was brought from Kalyani, then known as Kalyanapura by emperor Rajadhiraja Chola I after his defeat of the Western Chalukya king Someshwara I, his sons Vikramaditya VI and Someshwara II his capture of the Chalukyan capital.
Shrine’s Map Location and How to Go There
By Road
Kuthalam is on the Kumbakonam-Mayiladuthurai road. Ethirkolpadi is 6 km from Kuthalam towards Tirumananjeri. Buses are available to the place both from Kuthalam and Mayiladuthurai.
By Rail
The Nearest railway station is in Kuthalam
By Air
The Nearest airport is Tiruchi.
Shrine Timings
06:30 to 20:30 (All the days of the week)
Events Celebrated at This Shrine
Chithirai Indira Vizha in April-May,Karthikai Mondays in November-December and Margazhi Tiruvadhirai in December-January are the festivals celebrated in the temple.