We set off to Airavatesvara Temple in Darusaram, not too far from where we had spent the night at. The Temple which was built by RajaRaja II in the 12th century pertains to the great living Chola Temples aknowledged as a UNESCO world heritage site and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Legend has it that Airavata (the white elephant of the King of the Gods, Indra) while suffering from a change of colour curse from Sage Durvasa had its colours restored by bathing in the sacred waters of this Temple.
Considered as a "storehouse" of Art and architecture the Airavatesvara Temple is acknowledged as having some exquisite carvings I was looking forward to seeing.
Considered as a "storehouse" of Art and architecture the Airavatesvara Temple is acknowledged as having some exquisite carvings I was looking forward to seeing.
We started our visit on the South side of the mandapam which had a beautifully carved chariot with wheels that looked so real it was hard to imagine they were made out of stone. The carved sculptures on its exterior had already drawn my attention but more so the highly ornate ones on its pillars, which according to what I read are said to depict the socio-economic conditions of the period.
(To be continued)
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