DARASURAM

DARASURAM is located about 3 - 4 KM from Kumbakonam. The Airavateswara temple was constructed by Rajaraja Chola II in the 12th century. His grandsons had a short period of life. Rajaraja II was was his(Raja Raja I), grand-daughters son.

Darasuram visit was a part of my Kumbakonam visit. I must have spent about one and half hour at Darasuram. I was not was not able to take more pictures here as someone yelled ‘photo edukadhengo’ (do not take pictures). I am sure I missed taking many more interesting pictures. I was also sweating profusely as it was a humid day and I had to be more cautious with the camera, this was also a reason for fewer pictures and picture clarity. 

After the chola period, the islamic invaders(Nizams and Bahmani Sultans), destroyed many statues. In the 15th century the Rulers from Madurai region, The Nayakers did some work like paintings(vegetable paintings), extension on these temples. The vegetable paintings can still be seen on the walls and on the ceiling. I was told that this site (like any other) was in a complete ruin, until ASI (Archaeological Survey of India) took over and restored it. I believe the restoration was complete in 2004.

Built by Rajaraja Chola II, the temple displays the architectural brilliance during the Chola period. The architecture is similar to the temple in Gangaikonda cholapuram and Brihadeeshwara temple in Tanjore.

Entrance to the temple.

In front of the temple, there is a small mandap. It has seven steps leading to it. The steps are made of stones, which finely crafted so that it produces different musical sounds when tapped. The seven swaras can be heard tapping on them, i.e., each step emits one swara. In order to protect it ASI has put grill around it.

The Mandap in the front, looks like a horse drawn chariot to the south.  The main deity here is known as Airavatesvara.

The main mandap has 108 pillars, each of them uniquely carved to depict various events, it also depicts the socio-economic status of people.

Animals depicted on the outer walls.

Some of the war stance depicted on the outer walls.

Various dance stance depicted on the walls. It is said that the 108 bharathanatayam stance has been carved on these walls.

Dancer - In four dance pose. It can be clearly see you mask any of the three sides (left/right/top/bottom).

Dancers - In circular position.

Corridor around the temple. You can see that all of the bull statues around has been broken.

The main Vimana is 63 meters tall, and 23 meters wide. At the top is a circular stone - a single piece. 

Statues holding the theertham outlet from the scanctum. This outlet is considered holy, devotees circumventing the deity usually consume the abishegam theertham coming from this outlet.  

Bilva tree. In english its is Bael. The fruit is called ‘stone apple’. The Bilva tree is called Shiva's tree. Shiva is worshiped with these leaves.

The Nataraja natya mandapam (dance hall) has been converted/used as museum where some unique idols were kept. The ceiling pattern was like a lotus flower. We can see some vegetable paintings on the walls, on pillars, on ceiling. The pillars also has lots of chiseled portraying various dance stance, musicians. 

At the center of the natya mandapam on the ceiling, had a pattern of carvings representing Surya, Kali, Indira, Brahma and Durga.

Pictures – clockwise

- The Nataraja natya mandapam

- The 12 rasis or sun signs around Surya

- Indira and 8 dikpalas

- Bhrama and rishis

- Durga and attendants 

Broken statues and stones with inscription dating back to the 12th century.

The Saptha Kannigal 

Vegetable painting

Lord Murugan on peacock. This statue is also broken. The statue also produces the 7 swara. On tapping certain, points it produces different swara. 

 Stones used to make sandalwood paste. Some of them also had provision for water to drain out.

Muruga and his consorts Devayanai and Valli. The cholans were very meticulous that even in their sculpting they have incorporated ever detail to make the life like. This can be seen in this statue. Devayanai was Indira's daughter and Valli a tribal chieftains daughter, there by the difference in their costume. Valli’s statues even had her nose and ears pierced.

I hope, I be able to visit Darasuram again and be able to spend more time so that I will able to take more picures and see every sculpture.