Sculpture Darasuram Temple

Introduction to the Darasuram Temple

The Darasuram Airavateeswarar Temple, or Darasuram Temple, is a splendid testament to South Indian architecture. This is one of the most revered Shiva temples in Kumbakonam, Thanjavur district. Tamilnadu. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the Brihadeesvara Temple at Thanjavur and the Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram, referred to as the Great Living Chola Temples.

Legend of the Darasuram Temple

The Darasuram Temple is believed to have been named after Airavat, Indra's white elephant. According to the legend, the short-tempered Sage Durvasa cursed Airavat to lose his spotless color for his disrespectful behavior. Airavat prayed to Shiva here to regain its color. After hearing his prayer, Shiva asked Airavat to dip in the temple tank. Airavat took a dip and regained its color. Visitors can find the legend carved in stones in the inner chambers of the Darasuram Temple.

According to another legend, a sage cursed Yama, the god of death, which caused a constant burning sensation all over his body. The Darasuram Temple is believed to be where Yama prayed to Shiva and wiped off the curse after bathing in the sacred temple tank. This sacred temple tank is called Yama Theertham.

The Architecture of the Darasuram Temple

The Darasuram Temple faces the East direction and features the Dravidian style of architecture. Rajaraja Chola II built it in the 10th century AD. In the 12th century, the successors renovated it. The Darasuram Temple complex is a square plan.

The Darasuram Temple has a Mahadwara, the main entrance on the eastern side. The two Dwarapalakas, Sankhanidhi and Padmanidhi, are seen at the entrance. The Vimana (tower) is 80 ft high with five tiers. The temple has a sanctum without a circumambulatory path. The main deity, Airavateeswarar, is in the form of a Shiva lingam and faces the East direction. The sanctum has thick walls, and the Vimana rises above the center. Surrounding the courtyard, devotees can do circumambulation. Periyanayagi Amman is his consort, whose shrine is adjacent to the Airavateeswarar shrine.

The front mandapam is Rajagambhiran Tirumandapam. The south side of the front mandap is in the form of a huge chariot with large stone wheels drawn by horses. Its pillars are beautifully adorned. The small, beautifully carved flight of seven steps leading to the Bali Peetam (sacrificial altar) of the Darasuram Temple is called the 'Musical Steps' or the 'Singing Steps.' The seven steps represent the seven musical notes. They produce all seven musical notes when walking or tapping on the steps. Several inscriptions, images of the 63 Saivacharyas, sculptures of the sacred rivers Cauvery, Ganges, Yamuna, Godavari and Narmada, Buddha, Saraswathi without Veena, Ardhanarishwara, Ganesha, Narasimha, Brahma and Surya are some of the visual treats in this temple. Several inscriptions about the Chola and Pandya dynasties can be seen in the Darasuram Temple. The sculptures of 108 Devara Othuvars who sang in the temple are unique.

The Darasuram Temple is maintained and administered by the HR&CE (Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments) Department, Government of Tamil Nadu.

Festivals in the Darasuram Temple

The Darasuram Temple conducts the annual Brahmotsavam for ten days. Visitors from various regions flock to the temple to attend it. Mahashivratri, Arudra Darshan, Adi Pooram, Navaratri, and Natyanjali dance festival are other festivals held in the Darasuram Temple.

Benefits of Worshipping at the Darasuram Temple

Devotees believe bathing in the Yama Theertham can cleanse them from their sins.