AIRAVATESVARA TEMPLE

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.