தாராசுரம் ஐராவதேஸ்வரர் கோயில்
Shiva (Airavatesvara) temple · Darasuram, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India
The Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram, near Kumbakonam in Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu, is a 12th-century Hindu temple to Shiva built by the Chola king Rajaraja II. It is one of the three Great Living Chola Temples inscribed together as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the Brihadisvara temples at Thanjavur and Gangaikondacholapuram.
Faith & Tradition
UNESCO describes the Great Living Chola Temples as testimony to the Cholas' brilliant achievements in architecture, sculpture, painting and bronze casting. Of the three, The Hindu notes, Darasuram stands out for its intricate and beautiful sculptures.
Heritage
The temple was built by Rajaraja II, around 1150 CE according to The Hindu. It is full of rare sculptures, Chola-period paintings and inscriptions, and remains well preserved, as the Thanjavur district administration observes.
According to UNESCO, the temple complex has a 24-metre vimana (sanctum tower) and a stone image of Shiva. Part of the temple is built in the form of a chariot drawn by an elephant and a horse, approached by a flight of steps, The Hindu notes. The district administration highlights the unique miniature sculpture on its front columns.
Plan Your Visit
The temple is a protected World Heritage monument and an active place of worship. Confirm visiting hours locally before travelling.
Timings and arrangements change with seasons and festivals. Confirm current details with the temple administration before travelling. Last reviewed 5 October 2026.
Location
Darasuram is near Kumbakonam in Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu. The district administration notes that Darasuram is also a silk-weaving centre.
Location: Darasuram, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India
More in Hindu temples in Tamil Nadu · Shiva (Airavatesvara) temples
Questions
At Darasuram, near Kumbakonam in Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu.
The Chola king Rajaraja II, in the 12th century (around 1150 CE according to The Hindu).
Yes, as one of the three Great Living Chola Temples, with the Brihadisvara temples at Thanjavur and Gangaikondacholapuram.
About 24 metres, according to UNESCO.
Its intricate sculptures, Chola paintings and inscriptions, and a section built like a chariot drawn by an elephant and a horse.
Further reading: Airavatesvara Temple, Darasuram on Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Spotted an error? Write to info@hindutone.com — see our editorial policy.
Pilgrim Circuit
