4) Airavateshwar Temple
Airavateshwar is a Hindu temple built in Dravidian Architectural style. The temple which was built by Rajraja Chola II of Chola dynasty in 12th century is a famous UNESCO World Heritage Site in Tamil Nadu. It is considered as the best creation by the Chola dynasty. It is located in Darasuram around 35 km away from Tanjavur. The temple dedicated to Lord Shiva reflects both Vaishnavism and Shaivism traditions of Hindu religion. The structure of this temple is a bit similar to the Brihadeeshwara Temple in Tanjavur (https://packthebacks.home.blog/2019/04/16/brihadeeshwara-temple/). The structure of the main shrine of this temple is just like a chariot of a horse. This design is similar to the Nritya Sabha (Community dance hall) of the Chidambaram temple and the Konark Sun Temple near Puri, Orisa. The sanctum-Garbha Griha- is connected to the Mukh-Mandap through the Ardha-Mandap supported on the pillars and flanked by two massive Dvarpala. Outside the temple there are beautifully carved seven stone steps. By walking on these steps one can hear the sound of the seven musical notes “Sa” “Re” “Ga” “Ma” “Pa” “Dha” “Ni”. They are known as “Singing Steps”. But unfortunately, currently we cannot experience this magical creation as it is closed for tourists. Here we can also see a small museum having the collections of the broken sculptures of this temple. As compared to the Brihadeeshwara temple, not many travellers visit this place probably because this temple is not as much celebrated as the one in Tanjavur.
Airavateshwar Temple, Darasuram
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