The Airavatesvara Temple stands in Darasuram, on the edge of Kumbakonam, a few kilometres from the town centre. It was built by the Chola king Rajaraja II and completed around 1166 CE, and it is dedicated to Shiva as Airavatesvara. It is smaller than the great temples at Thanjavur and Gangaikonda Cholapuram, but many visitors find it the most beautiful of the three, because of the extraordinary density and delicacy of its carving.
Together with the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur and the temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram, it forms the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Great Living Chola Temples; it was added to the list in 2004.
On this page
The legend
The temple takes its name from Airavata, the white elephant of the god Indra. According to legend, Airavata lost his white colour through a sage’s curse and was restored after bathing in the temple tank and worshipping Shiva here. Another story says Yama, the god of death, was also cured of an affliction here, and the tank is known as Yama Theertham. The Airavata story is carved in the inner shrine.
What to see
- The chariot hall: the front mandapam, called Rajagambhiran Tirumandapam, is designed as a stone chariot with carved wheels and horses, one of the most photographed details in Chola art.
- Musical steps: the balustraded steps at the entrance are carved so that, according to tradition, tapping them produces musical notes. They are protected, so do not strike them.
- The vimana: the tower over the sanctum rises about 24 metres, much smaller than Thanjavur’s but perfectly proportioned.
- Miniature friezes: tiny panels on the base and pillars show dancers, musicians, acrobats and scenes from the Puranas; look closely, as many figures are only a few centimetres tall.
- The Nayanmars: reliefs on the base tell the stories of the 63 Nayanmars, the Tamil Shaiva saints.
- Periya Nayaki Amman shrine: a separate temple to the goddess stands just beside the main complex.
Timings and entry
Entry is free. According to the government’s Incredible India website, the temple is open from about 8 AM to 12 noon and 4 PM to 8 PM at the time of writing; other sources report that the courtyard opens earlier. Worship continues in the sanctum, while the Archaeological Survey of India protects the structure. Check timings before you go, especially on festival days.
Best time to visit
The cooler months from November to February are the most comfortable. On any day, the low morning or late-afternoon sun brings out the relief of the carvings, and the temple is usually quiet compared with Thanjavur. Part of the complex sits slightly below the level of the surrounding ground, and the courtyard can hold water after heavy rain in the north-east monsoon.
Practical tips
- Footwear: removed at the entrance; the stone gets hot by midday.
- Dress: modest clothing, covering shoulders and knees.
- Take your time: the carvings reward slow looking. A guide or a good guidebook helps you identify the stories.
- Photography: allowed in the courtyard, but not of the deity in the sanctum.
- Combine: Kumbakonam has many other temples, including the Navagraha shrines around the town.
Visiting from Pondicherry
Kumbakonam is about 131 km from Pondicherry, around three hours by car, and Darasuram is on the Thanjavur side of town. Many travellers see Darasuram on the way to or from Thanjavur. Our Great Chola Temples tour covers all three UNESCO Chola temples, and the Navagraha temple tour is based around Kumbakonam, both by car with driver. See our temples page for more.
Official information: UNESCO World Heritage Centre
Frequently asked questions
Who built the Airavatesvara Temple?
The Chola king Rajaraja II. The temple was completed around 1166 CE.
Is the Darasuram temple a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Yes. It was added in 2004 as part of the Great Living Chola Temples, with the temples at Thanjavur and Gangaikonda Cholapuram.
Why is it called Airavatesvara?
After Airavata, Indra’s white elephant, who according to legend regained his white colour after worshipping Shiva and bathing in the temple tank.
What are the Airavatesvara Temple timings?
At the time of writing, about 8 AM to 12 noon and 4 PM to 8 PM according to Incredible India, with some reports of earlier opening. Check before you go.