Airavatesvara Templeऐरावतेश्वर मंदिर

About Airavatesvara Temple

The Airavatesvara Temple stands at Darasuram, a small town about 4 km from Kumbakonam in Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva as Airavatesvara. Along with the Brihadeeswara Temple at Thanjavur and the Brihadisvara Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram, it forms the Great Living Chola Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As the name suggests, all three remain living temples where daily worship continues.

The temple was built in the 12th century during the reign of the Chola king Rajaraja II. According to temple legend, Airavata, the white elephant of Indra, worshipped Shiva here to be freed from a curse and regained its whiteness by bathing in the temple tank; Yama, the god of death, is also said to have worshipped here. A separate shrine for the goddess, Periya Nayaki Amman, stands to the north of the main temple and is generally thought to be a slightly later addition.

Smaller than the great temples of Thanjavur and Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Airavatesvara is admired for the richness and fineness of its sculpture. The front hall, the Rajagambhira mandapa, is designed as a chariot with stone wheels drawn by horses. Its pillars and bases are carved with tiny panels showing dancers, musicians, stories of the Shaiva saints and scenes from the Puranas. Near the entrance is a flight of stone steps that give out different musical notes when tapped. The sanctum tower is a graceful Dravidian vimana, and the courtyard is often partly flooded in the wet season, giving the temple a calm, reflective look.

Airavatesvara Temple timings & aarti

Usually open from about 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.

Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.

How to reach Airavatesvara Temple

Festivals at Airavatesvara Temple

• Maha ShivaratriFeb/Mar
• Arudra Darshan (Thiruvathirai)Dec/Jan
• Masi Magam (Mahamaham in Kumbakonam once every 12 years)Feb/Mar

Visitor tips

Dress code

Traditional or modest clothing is recommended (dhoti or trousers for men, saree or churidar for women). Footwear must be left outside.

Entry

Free entry for darshan. The temple is protected by the ASI and is also a living temple.

• Spend time looking closely at the tiny carved panels on the pillars and bases; they are the highlight.
• Ask a guide to show you the musical steps; please tap them gently.
• Visit in the morning or late afternoon, as the stone floors get hot at midday.
• Do not miss the separate Periya Nayaki Amman shrine just north of the main temple.
• Plan a day for the wider Kumbakonam temple circuit, which includes many famous temples.

Places to visit near Airavatesvara Temple

• Adi Kumbeswarar Temple, KumbakonamMajor Shiva temple of Kumbakonam, about 4 km away
• Mahamaham TankSacred tank of the Mahamaham festival, about 4 km away
• Swamimalai Murugan TempleOne of the six abodes of Lord Murugan, about 6 km away
• Brihadeeswara Temple, ThanjavurThe great Chola temple of Rajaraja I, about 35 km away

Frequently asked questions