Our last stop on the Tamil Nadu temple trail was the one that almost did not make the cut — Airavateswara Temple in Darasuram, 15 minutes from Kumbakonam, closing at 12:30 PM. Built by Raja Raja Chola II in the 12th century CE, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its musical stone steps that produce the seven notes of Indian classical music, its chariot-shaped hall with carved stone wheels and horses, and 48 intricately carved pillars that reward every minute of attention you give them. Here is a complete guide to visiting.
Tag: Tamil Nadu temples
Sarangapani Temple, Kumbakonam – The Chariot Temple at the Heart of Tamil Nadu’s Temple Town
After the grandeur of Brihadeeswara Temple in Thanjavur, our next stop on Day 3 was Kumbakonam — Tamil Nadu’s Temple Town. We had chosen Sarangapani Temple: the largest Vishnu temple complex in Kumbakonam, one of the 108 Divya Desams, and the fifth of the Pancharanga Kshetrams along the Kaveri River. What surprised us most was the inner temple — built in the form of a chariot drawn by horses and elephants, unlike any temple we had seen before. Here is everything you need to know before you visit.
Vagabonding Life! 