The heaven of sculptures

Every inch of Airavateswara temple, Darasuram, is adorned with exquisite sculptures. This grand monument of Chola artistic tradition has both secular as well as religious images.

It is one of those rare temples which have found place in the World Heritage List of UNESCO. This temple was built by Raja Raja Chola II in the 12th century.

Included in the list of the Great Living Chola temples, Airavatesvara temple is originally dedicated to Lord Shiva. According to legends, Airavata, the mythical white elephant, worshipped Shiva here and hence the temple gets its name.