Darasuram, Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu · 10.9484°, 79.3567°
The third of the Great Living Chola Temples, built by Rajaraja II — a jewel-box of late-Chola sculpture whose front mandapa is carved as a stone chariot drawn by horses. Famous for musical steps and miniature narrative friezes.
Named for Airavata, Indra's white elephant, who worshipped Shiva here to be cured of a curse; Yama too is said to have bathed in the tank to escape a rishi's curse.
coordinates: wikipedia-2026-08-26 · sources retrieved 2026-08-26 · dynasty page: Chola