Location
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Graha
UNESCO Heritage (UNESCO Heritage)
Deity
Sri Airavatesvara
Goddess
Periya Nayaki Amman
Timings
6:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Best time
November – February, weekday mornings
District
Thanjavur
Address
Airavatesvara Temple, Darasuram, Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu 612702
History
Built by Rajaraja Chola II, the front mandapam is a stone chariot with musical steps and miniature Periya Puranam friezes.
Significance
Airavata, Indra's white elephant, regained its colour by bathing here — worship is for relief from curses and skin ailments.
Pariharam
Offer milk abhishekam and walk the sculpted corridor slowly with a guide.
Festivals
Maha Shivaratri
February – March · Special abhishekam through the night
Chithirai Festival
April – May · Temple car procession in Darasuram
Nearby stays & food
Paradise Resort
Stay · 3 km · Cottages near Kumbakonam
Mangala Bhavan
Food · 4 km · Vegetarian meals and tiffin