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The Darasuram Temple, built by Rajaraja Chola II in 1167 CE is a magnificent Dravidian style of art and is now a World Heritage Site. The temple is devoted to Lord Shiva and has several stories to tell including that of the white elephant Airavata which is said to have been able to change back to its normal colour after worshipping Lord Shiva over there. The temple is famous for its beautiful sculpting, and musical steps that create sound for seven notes being one of them. It showcases the cultural legacy of the Chola Empire and still manages to attract tourists because of the style of the temple and its historical importance.
Darasuram Temple Location
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons
The Darasuram Temple is in Darasuram in Tamil Nadu, roughly 8 kilometres from Kumbakonam and 34 kilometres from Thanjavur. History tells us that Lord Shiva sits in this nearly ancient medieval temple built in the 12th century by Rajaraja Chola II. It has been tagged as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and comes third in a list known as the Great Living Chola Temples. Darasuram makes use of both road and rail services making it easy.
How To Reach Darasuram Temple
Photo: Darshanavenugopal / Wikimedia Commons
It is easy to visit the Airavatesvara Temple in Darasuram, Tamil Nadu owing to its location which is central to all the major towns of the state. Here are the best possible ways to reach there:
By Train: Darasuram has its railway station about 1 km away from the temple and is connected well with Kumbakonam and Thanjavur. This also has some regular trains from major cities like Chennai, Madurai, and Trichy.
By Road: Darasuram is about 8 km from Kumbakonam and 34 km from Thanjavur. Taxis and buses regularly ply between the two towns. Kumbakonam Bus Stand is nearly 5 km where one can utilize local buses or get a cab.
By Air: Tiruchirappalli International Airport is the closest airport at a distance of approximately 90 km from Darasuram. One can take a taxi or a bus from the airport to reach the temple.
Places To Visit Around Darasuram Temple
When visiting the Darasuram Temple, there are several nearby attractions worth exploring:
1. Sarangapani Temple
Photo: Adam Jones Adam63 / Wikimedia Commons
The Sarangapani Temple, in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, is a well-known temple of the Hindus dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is one of the Divya Desams mentioned in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham by the Alvars and is famous for its intricate Dravidian architecture. The temple has a tall rajagopuram (tower) measuring 173 feet in height, decorated with fine sculptures of gods and goddesses along with other celestial bodies. There are several festivals celebrated in the temple during the entire year, however, the most noteworthy one is the Brahmotsavam which draws in a lot of devotees.
Distance From Darasuram Temple: 5 km
Location: Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu
Timings: Open daily from 6 AM – 12:30 PM and 4 PM – 9:30 PM
Best Time To Visit: September to February for pleasant weather and vibrant festivals.
2. Periya Nayaki Amman Temple
Photo: sripoll / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Periya Nayaki Amman Temple which is beside the Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram is another important Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Periyanayaki. This temple is well known for its beautiful Dravidian architecture and cultural significance. A large mandapam with several beautifully sculpted columns with different figures and patterns showing the mythological and cultural scenes can be found in the temple. Periyanayaki the presiding deity is also accompanied by other important deities such as Lord Murugan and Kailasanathar depicting the importance of the temple.
Distance From Darasuram Temple: 0 km
Location: Darasuram, near Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu.
Best Time To Visit: October to February for pleasant weather and vibrant festivals.
3. Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple
Photo: Nithi Anand / Wikimedia Commons
The Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple is in Gangaikonda Cholapuram in Tamil Nadu and is one of the finest temples designed in the Chola architectural style. This temple is located in the region that has been classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The temple was built to honor one of the king’s victories in northern India and is regarded as a smaller version of Brihadeeswara Temple in Thanjavur. The temple has a landmark spearing vimana characteristics which rises to 55 meters and also contains the biggest Shiva lingam in southern India which is 13 feet in height.
Distance From Darasuram Temple: 30 km
Location: Gangaikondacholapuram, Ariyalur District, Tamil Nadu
Timings: Open daily from 5 AM – 12 PM and 4 PM – 9 PM
Best Time To Visit: November to March for pleasant weather
4. Kumbakonam
Photo: The EnforcerOffice of the secret service / Wikimedia Commons
The city of Kumbakonam, also known as “the city of temples” is a populous city in Tamil Nadu state known for its ancient temples and cultural history. Kumbakonam is placed between the Kaveri and Arasalar rivers which fills the surrounding space with beauty and tranquility. The town is known for its Mahamaham festival held every 12 years which attracts healthy and sick people again especially the doctors who take care of them offering all kinds of treatments in the center miracle which is the Mahamaham tank which is considered to be purifying people of all their sins.
Distance From Darasuram Temple: 8 km
Best Time To Visit: December to February, when the weather is cooler and more pleasant
5. Thanjavur
Photo: Tamil selvan / Wikimedia Commons
Thanjavur, a city in the southern part of India with a very significant history, is commonly known as the ‘Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu’. The city is well acclaimed for its temples built with amazing architectural design. Brihadeeswara Temple which is also a World Heritage Site, depicts the grandeur of Dravidian architecture with its soaring gopurams and numerous ornate sculptures. It was established by Rajaraja Chola 1 in the 11th century and the temple has a giant statue of a Shiva Lingam surrounded by green paddy cultivation.
Distance From Darasuram Temple: 34 km
Best Time To Visit: December to February, when the weather is cooler and more pleasant.
Where To Stay
Photo: flowcomm / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
There are various places to stay while visiting the Darasuram Temple depending on one’s budget and preferences. Hotel Ark is favoured by many due to its decent rooms and closeness to the temple. If one wishes to get more comfort and lavishness, Mayapuri Amira Luxury Hotel well known for its services, spa and restaurants can cater to that. Indeco Hotels Swamimalai is another interesting choice, famous for its heritage decor and scenic location, which is ideal for cultural enthusiasts. For a reasonably priced stay, Chola Dynasty is a decent hotel with functional rooms and basic services that allow budget travellers to lodge.
Where To Eat
Photo: Elan1008 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
There are a few places to eat close to the Darasuram Temple that will please every taste bud. Mangalambika Coffee and Tiffin Center attracts visitors for its traditional South Indian breakfast items idli, dosa, and filter coffee, where one can relish the local food. Sathar’s Restaurant is a family-type restaurant that serves all kinds of food including vegetarian and nonvegetarian and also group dining. Sri Balaji Bhavan is yet another brilliant option when it comes to vegetarian food, especially known for its thalis offering several local culinary experiences.
Best Time To Visit
Photo: Naveen da / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The duration from October to March proves to be the ultimate season for exploring the Darasuram Temple located in Darasuram. The temperatures are on average allowing enough freedom of movement to get all the beautiful features of the temple without great exposure to the high temperatures. In addition, visiting such temples on special dates like Mahashivaratri (February/March) is encouraging, as the temple gets a lot of beautiful decorations and activities from the people.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Viswanath / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Here are some factors to consider while you plan your trip to Darasuram Temple.
Average Cost Of Trip:
The average expense of going for a trip to the Airavatesvara Temple in Darasuram may differ with each individual’s travel tastes. It can range from anywhere between ₹2000 – 4000 including transportation, accommodation and food. For a longer duration and better options, the costs can increase sharply.
Tips For Travellers:
- Make sure to set aside at least 2-3 hours for the visit to appreciate the temple’s full interaction with its visitors.
- A local guide could be employed to throw more light on the history of the temple in question.
- As it is a place of worship, modest dressing is encouraged, with women advised to put on sarees or long skirts while men wear dhotis or trousers.
- Certain zones may have restrictions in regards to taking photos, so always confirm before snapping any pictures.
The Darasuram Temple in Darasuram represents the pinnacle of ancient Indian architectural and artistic achievement. Its historical importance, in addition to its remarkable artistic aspects, encourages every traveller visiting Tamil Nadu to make it a stop. It will be a great visit for anyone who worships the temple and for those who are culture devotees, the memories made behind will remain deeply embedded in every visitor. Plan your trip with TripXL and have a memorable experience.
Cover Photo: Thamizhpparithi Maari / Wikimedia Commons
