Overview
- Temple type
- Temple
- Location
- Darasuram, Tamil Nadu
Temple summary
Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram is a celebrated Chola-period Shiva temple known for its refined stone sculpture and architecture. It forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage property known as the Great Living Chola Temples.
History
UNESCO identifies the Airavatesvara complex as a 12th-century temple built by Chola king Rajaraja II. It represents a later stage in the development of monumental Chola temple architecture.
Significance
Together with the Brihadisvara temples at Thanjavur and Gangaikondacholapuram, Airavatesvara forms the Great Living Chola Temples World Heritage property. The complex remains a living place of worship.
Architecture
The temple is noted for its 24-metre vimana, finely carved stone surfaces and highly developed Chola sculptural work. UNESCO describes the three Chola temples as outstanding testimony to the development of Chola architecture and Tamil civilisation.
Travel guide
Nearby stays, food and attractions
Nearby hotels, restaurants, temples, and attractions are maintained as curated travel entries for this Temple.
Frequently asked questions
Is Airavatesvara Temple a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Yes. It is one of the three components of UNESCO’s Great Living Chola Temples.
Who built Airavatesvara Temple?
UNESCO associates the Darasuram complex with Chola king Rajaraja II.