Living chola Temple- Airavatesvara Temple

                   The Cholas were one of the greatest rulers of South India. They entrenched their powerful sovereignty in the 9th century at Thanjavur and the places around. One could see their unmatchable effort in their work of military, administration, architecture, sculptures, paintings and culture assimilation. They played a vital role in the promotion of art. The temples they built were huge and stand tall to depict their glory. One among their inventiveness is AIRAVATESVARA TEMPLE. 

Prominent Living chola temples

   The great living chola temples were built by the kings of chola empire during the 11th and 12th centuries.The three most glorious temple of cholas which exists even today with great pride are

•    Brihadeeswarar temple at thanjavur built by King Raja Raja Chola
•    Gangaikondacholisvaram Temple at gangaikonda cholapuram built by Rajendra I
•     Airavatesvara Temple by RajaRaja Chola II

Airavatesvara temple at darasuram near kumbakonam is third in the list as it is smaller compared to the other two temples but with its grand design and magnificence, it added to the architectural splendour of the Chola capital.

 UNESCO- world heritage sight

                Airavatesvara being a masterpiece in art and architecture has been declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 2004. The temple’s vimana is 85 feet high, and the mandapam in front of the temple showcases a spectacular sight of horses drawing a huge chariot. The temple is also filled with exquisite stone carvings

                  .This temple also follows the Dravidian style of architecture. It has a square plan structure. The construction of the temple was accomplished in 1166 CE. It is smaller than Brihadisvara temple and Gangaikondacholapuram temple. However, it is more ornate and attractive in its architecture.      

Quintessential Temple

          Airavatesvara temple, adding to the beauty of architecture, is built using dravidian architecture style and is known for its exquisite carvings and sculpture. A fictitious creature named YALIS - with elephant’s trunk, bull’s body, a lion's head, a ram’s horns and a pig’s ear is sculpted on the pillars of the temple.

   Towards the east of the maha-mandapa is the agra-mandapa also called the Rajagambiram-thiru-mandapam after the king.] This hall is shaped like a chariot, provided with stone horses and wheels. The design is similar to the Nritta-sabha (community dance hall) of the Chidambaram temple and the Konark Sun Temple near Puri, Odisha

The story behind - Airavatesvara Temple

            According to the local folklore,it is said that the temple is named after Airavata, Indra's vehicle. Airavata took a dip in the water tank, which is connected to the river cauvery and became white as snow. Airavata is thus carved out in the sanctum sanctorum.

Interesting facts

• The Devi’s temple was constructed a little later than the main temple. It marks the emergence of a separate Devi temple in South Indian temple complex
• The austere background provides a certain aura, which makes it perfect to experiment with photography.
• The sculpture of Lord Indra is found seated on his vehicle, Airavata
• There is also a small museum affiliated to the temple.
• Lord Yama was believed to have taken a dip in the adjoining water source to get rid of his curse and hence the tank is called yamateertham.

                    Airavatesvara Temple, a lesser known temple with  a messmerizing history and breathtaking architecture, is certainly a place to visit.