Airavatesvara Temple, Darasuram
ஐராவதேசுவரர் கோயில்
A 12th-century Shiva temple built by Rajaraja II of the Chola dynasty in Darasuram. Its stone carvings are as finely detailed as jewelry, and it is a World Heritage Site.
Airavatesvara Temple stands in Darasuram, about 4 km southwest of Kumbakonam, and was built in the mid-12th century. It is part of the Great Living Chola Temples World Heritage Site. The temple is smaller than the Big Temple in Thanjavur but is renowned for its craftsmanship. Its entrance porch is shaped like a chariot pulled by stone horses with stone wheels. Steps produce musical notes when struck, earning them the name 'music steps.' Pillars and walls are covered with miniature reliefs of dancers, musicians, and mythological tales. Entry is free, and the temple is quiet with few visitors. It is about 50 minutes by hired car from Thanjavur and is often combined with the temples of Kumbakonam and Gangaikonda Cholapuram as a day trip.
Opening hours
06:00–12:00, 16:00–20:00
Nearby sights
- Adi Kumbeswarar Temple
- Mahamaham Tank
- Sarangapani Temple
- Swaminatha Swamy Temple, Swamimalai
- Oppiliappan Temple
- Punnainallur Mariamman Temple
- Aiyarappar Temple, Thiruvaiyaru
- Thanjavur Maratha Palace