Airavatesvara Temple

The Airavatesvara Temple, at Darasuram near Kumbakonam in Thanjavur district, is a Shiva temple raised by the Chola ruler Rajaraja Chola II in the 12th century CE. It is one of the Great Living Chola Temples and one of four large Chola complexes with vimanas made wholly of stone. Its name comes from Airavat, the white elephant of Indra.

The temple is of the Karakkoil type, its main stone structure designed like a processional chariot in the Dravidian style. Carvings and inscriptions across the complex retell stories from the Puranas, and the temple is also noted for its paintings and bronze casting. A flight of seven carved steps leading to the shrine is said to sound the seven notes of music when walked upon. Legend holds that Yama, god of death, cursed by a sage to suffer a constant burning, was freed after praying to Shiva and bathing in the temple tank, now called Yamatheertham.