Darasuram is a small village at a distance of 34 kms from Tanjore or 3 kms from Kumbkonam. Airavateswarar Temple at Darasuram is a architectural and sculptural masterpiece. This temple has been declared as World Heritage Monument.
As per the legend Airavata, the white elephant of Indra, worshiped Lord Siva in this temple. In the 12th century this temple was built by the King Raja Raja Chola II. During the 14th century the large stone statues surrounding the temple were replaced with brick and mortar statues.
The south side of the front sanctum is in the form of a huge chariot with large stone wheels drawn by horses.
Lion hunting an elephant a beautiful sculpture on the steps - made by stacking granite sculpture to one of the shrines in the complex.
Whatever remains of the sculptural part of the temple is on the external wall of inner courtyard. The sculptural extravaganza is unmatched and can only be enjoyed looking yet it in ones own eyes.
There is also a small Vinayagar shrine before the inner tower of the temple.
As per the legend Airavata, the white elephant of Indra, worshiped Lord Siva in this temple. In the 12th century this temple was built by the King Raja Raja Chola II. During the 14th century the large stone statues surrounding the temple were replaced with brick and mortar statues.
The south side of the front sanctum is in the form of a huge chariot with large stone wheels drawn by horses.
Lion hunting an elephant a beautiful sculpture on the steps - made by stacking granite sculpture to one of the shrines in the complex.
Whatever remains of the sculptural part of the temple is on the external wall of inner courtyard. The sculptural extravaganza is unmatched and can only be enjoyed looking yet it in ones own eyes.
There is also a small Vinayagar shrine before the inner tower of the temple.
That looks absolutely amazing! What an interesting place. Visiting from Mosaic Monday.
ReplyDeleteTo think how talented the craftsmen were back when these were erected is amazing.
ReplyDeleteWonderful shots of the Temple and Shrine! Thanks for sharing, have a great week!
ReplyDeleteVery nice historical background. This is an impressive temple.
ReplyDeletejust incredible!! what a craftsmanship!!!
ReplyDeleteReally wonderful architecture.
ReplyDeleteNice shots of the architecture.
ReplyDeletewww.rajniranjandas.blogspot.in
Lovely images of a lovely temple.
ReplyDeletelovely pictures, beautiful
ReplyDeleteThese fantastic temples make my little bandshell (Florida Fotos) look rather puny!
ReplyDeleteSuch intricate and beautiful detail from so long ago.
Marvelous. So interesting.
ReplyDeleteIncredible detail!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
ReplyDeleteEvery single time I think you couldn't possibly post anything that could surpass the last one in the "awe" factor, you do it again! Just amazing. I can't believe they made that lion/elephant sculpture that way...incredible...and all so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteYour world is always interesting and beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI can picture myself lost in the beauty of these sceneries.
Such an incredible temple and such intricate carvings! Superb captures as always, Rajesh! Hope you have a great week!
ReplyDeleteNever been there. Very interesting to see.
ReplyDeleteAmazing monuments.
ReplyDeleteWonderful shots of the temple.
ReplyDeleteThis temple is an especially ornate one. All the architecture you share with us is so amazing. Love the elephant sculpture...bet it is a lot bigger up close than it looks here in the picture. So many columns...a memorable structure. genie
ReplyDeleteAnother incredible temple, such a history you have there.
ReplyDeleteIt seems like you will not run out of materials for this meme because of the multitude of temples, palaces, fortresses in India.
ReplyDeleteFell in love with the architecture! When i visited here, the rains had ended but there were a zillion tiny tadpoles and frogs all over the floor and it was so tough to walk without stamping one.. The security told me how the place got flooded and lots of idols got damaged. some were in the basement apparently
ReplyDeletean amazing temple adorned with wonderful sculptures.
ReplyDeleteYes, a beautiful place, amazing temple! Nice pictures.
ReplyDeleteWhat an immense number of beautiful temples you have in your country.
ReplyDeleteThis is an architecturally brilliant temple. Thanks for sharing the wonderful images.
ReplyDeleteAlways a pleasure to see your photos of the splendid architecture of India's temples.
ReplyDeleteLeslie
abcw team
another IMPRESSIVE structure
ReplyDeleteROG, ABC Wednesday team
So much history and beauty!
ReplyDeleteHow clever were these builders in the old days!
ReplyDeleteWil, ABCW Team.
Fantastic and amazing.
ReplyDeleteIt's easy to see why this is a World Heritage Monument. The sculptures are magnificent. Thanks for sharing this with us.
ReplyDeleteInteresting, indeed! Incredible India...
ReplyDeleteI is for ...
A beautiful temple.
ReplyDeleteVery nice..!
ReplyDeleteThe sculpture is amazing.
ReplyDeleteThose old buildings and sculptures always amaze me, how they were built so long ago, can you imagine the splendor when brand new...wow~
ReplyDeleteThank you for appreciating the beautifully crafted temple.
ReplyDeleteI love the concept of a huge chariot, looks as though it could move forward at any moment. Your description of it as an extravaganza is so apt.
ReplyDeleteamazing amazing amazing,
ReplyDeleteThank you for appreciating the wonderful craftsmanship of the temple.
ReplyDeletethank you for posting about this temple, i will definitely add this to my ever growing list of places to visit during my next trip out home
ReplyDeleteBeautiful details.
ReplyDeleteAs usual, I am late but I am doing my best to catch up.
Rose, ABC Wednesday Team
Beautiful pictures
ReplyDeleteSo divine and beautiful post
ReplyDeleteThis temple is located near to my native... Beautiful shots..
ReplyDeleteA nice post and great photos, Rajesh!
ReplyDelete