AIRAVATESVARA TEMPLE

  • December 10, 2020
  • Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
  • Category: DPN Topics
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Subject: Art & Culture

Context: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is exploring ways to find a permanent solution to prevent flooding in the Airavatesvara temple in Darasuram, near Kumbakonam in Thanjavur district.

Concept:

  • It was built by the Chola king Rajaraja II (1144-1173 CE):
  • It is much smaller in size as compared to the Brihadisvara temple at Thanjavur and Gangaikondacholapuram.
  • The temple consists of a sanctum without a circumambulatory path and axial mandapas.
  • The front mandapa is unique as it was conceptualized as a chariot with wheels.
  • The temple entered the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 1987 and is also a part of “Great Living Chola Temples” along with the Brihadisvara Temple at Gangaikondacholapuram and Tanjavur.
AIRAVATESVARA TEMPLE Arts and culture