Airavatesvara temple, Darasuram
Topic: Southern Dynasties: Chalukyas, Pallavas, Cholas · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
The Airavatesvara temple is a Shiva temple at Darasuram, near Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu. The Chola king Rajaraja II built it in the 12th century. Its front hall is shaped like a chariot with wheels, and its stone steps are said to give out musical notes when struck. It is one of the three "Great Living Chola Temples", which together form a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Example
Its walls carry carved panels, including battle scenes. These show how Chola temples recorded both religious and royal themes in stone.
Don't confuse with
- Brihadishvara temple, Thanjavur: built earlier by Rajaraja I in the early 11th century, and much larger. The Airavatesvara temple was built by the later king Rajaraja II.
Related concepts
- Chola bronzes
- Nataraja
- Swamimalai bronze icons
- Great Living Chola Temples
- Chidambaram temple
- Gommateshwara statue
- Angkor Wat