Airavateswara Temple

Airavateswara Temple The one about an Elephant...

       Located in the town of Darasuram near Kumbakonam, Airavatesvara Temple is another awe-strucking example built in the Dravidian architecture. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this temple was built in 12^th century CE.

        Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is traces its name from Airavata, the white elephant of Indra who worshipped Lord Shiva in this temple. The temple is exclusively famous for its exquisite stone carvings.

      The Airavatesvara temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Shiva is known as Airavatesvara here, because he was worshipped at this temple by Airavata, the white elephant of the king of the gods, Indra.
Legend has it that 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. This legend is commemorated by an image of Airavata with Indra seated in an inner shrine. The temple and the presiding deity derive its name from this incident.

      It is said that the King of Death, Yama also worshipped Shiva here. Tradition has it Yama, who was suffering under a Rishi's curse to form a burning sensation all over the body, was cured by the presiding deity Airavatesvara.


      Yama took bath in the sacred tank and got rid of the burning sensation. Since then the tank has been known as Yamateertham. It gets its supply of fresh water from the river Kaveri and is 228 feet in width. Pilgrims make a point to bathe in the tank.