Recently I had visited an amazing Chola temple. It is called Airavatesvara Temple, located in Dharusanam (previously called Rajarajapuruam) near Kumbakonam in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
Airavatesvara temple is one of the three great living Chola temples in India, the other two temples being Brihadeeswara Temple and Gangaikonda Choleswara Temple in Tamil Nadu. It was built by Raja Raja Chola II in 12th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, here worshipped as Airavatesvara because he was worshipped at this temple Airavata, the white elephant of the Indra, King of the Gods.
The Airavatesvara temple was much larger than what it is now. The Nandi mandapa and the stambha are found outside of this main temple courtyard. All the Chola temples have a Shiva figure coming out of the Linga at the rear wall of the temple so does this one.
Regular pujas are still performed here.
After the temple visit, we had visited a weaver's place, which was just 5 minutes walking distance. for the purchase of two Kumbakonam Silk Saris. They were almost 40% discount than the shop price. The only problem we faced with them was we had to pay in cash.
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Airavatesvara temple is one of the three great living Chola temples in India, the other two temples being Brihadeeswara Temple and Gangaikonda Choleswara Temple in Tamil Nadu. It was built by Raja Raja Chola II in 12th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, here worshipped as Airavatesvara because he was worshipped at this temple Airavata, the white elephant of the Indra, King of the Gods.
It is also said that Yama, the King of Death, took bath in the sacred tank here and got rid of his curse and hence the tank has been known as Yamateertham.
The main tower is called Raja Gambira. At the very entrance to the temple two Dwarapalakas, Sankhanidhi and Padmanidhi, are seen in imposing figures. In front of the temple, there is a small mandapa, which can be reached by three steps in the form of a ladder. The steps are in stones, which give different musical sounds when tapped. All the seven swaras can be had at different points.
Regular pujas are still performed here.
After the temple visit, we had visited a weaver's place, which was just 5 minutes walking distance. for the purchase of two Kumbakonam Silk Saris. They were almost 40% discount than the shop price. The only problem we faced with them was we had to pay in cash.
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