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.
47 comments:
That looks absolutely amazing! What an interesting place. Visiting from Mosaic Monday.
To think how talented the craftsmen were back when these were erected is amazing.
Wonderful shots of the Temple and Shrine! Thanks for sharing, have a great week!
Very nice historical background. This is an impressive temple.
just incredible!! what a craftsmanship!!!
Really wonderful architecture.
Nice shots of the architecture.
www.rajniranjandas.blogspot.in
Lovely images of a lovely temple.
lovely pictures, beautiful
These fantastic temples make my little bandshell (Florida Fotos) look rather puny!
Such intricate and beautiful detail from so long ago.
Marvelous. So interesting.
Incredible detail!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
Every 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.
Your world is always interesting and beautiful.
I 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!
Never been there. Very interesting to see.
Amazing monuments.
Wonderful shots of the temple.
This 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
Another incredible temple, such a history you have there.
It seems like you will not run out of materials for this meme because of the multitude of temples, palaces, fortresses in India.
Fell 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
an amazing temple adorned with wonderful sculptures.
Yes, a beautiful place, amazing temple! Nice pictures.
What an immense number of beautiful temples you have in your country.
This is an architecturally brilliant temple. Thanks for sharing the wonderful images.
Always a pleasure to see your photos of the splendid architecture of India's temples.
Leslie
abcw team
another IMPRESSIVE structure
ROG, ABC Wednesday team
So much history and beauty!
How clever were these builders in the old days!
Wil, ABCW Team.
Fantastic and amazing.
It's easy to see why this is a World Heritage Monument. The sculptures are magnificent. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Interesting, indeed! Incredible India...
I is for ...
A beautiful temple.
Very nice..!
The sculpture is amazing.
Those old buildings and sculptures always amaze me, how they were built so long ago, can you imagine the splendor when brand new...wow~
Thank you for appreciating the beautifully crafted temple.
I 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.
amazing amazing amazing,
Thank you for appreciating the wonderful craftsmanship of the temple.
thank 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
Beautiful details.
As usual, I am late but I am doing my best to catch up.
Rose, ABC Wednesday Team
Beautiful pictures
So divine and beautiful post
This temple is located near to my native... Beautiful shots..
A nice post and great photos, Rajesh!
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