Darasuram is a town located 3 kilometres from Kumbakonam in Thanjavur district. The town is known for the Airavateswara temple constructed by the Rajaraja Chola II in the 12th century AD. The temple is a recognised UNESCO World Heritage monument.
Airavateswara Temple
Raja Raja Chola II built the Airavateswara or Darasuram temple. It is an excellent example of 12th century Chola architecture and is well preserved to this day. The frontal columns of the temple have unique miniature sculptures.During the 14th century the large stone statues surrounding the temple were replaced with brick and mortar statues similar to those found at the Big Temple in Thanjavur. This has been declared as a world Heritage Monument.
