Airavatesvara Temple: A Mysterious Musical One

Airavatesvara Temple in Tamil Nadu is one of the best examples of Dravidian architecture. This temple holds such interesting features that are beyond imagination for 12^th-century architecture. The temple is mainly dedicated to Lord Shiva. But, Besides Shaivism, the temple simultaneously displays Vaishnavism and Shaktism traditions of Hindu religion. Airavatesvara temple is named after a beautiful elephant Airavata, rather than the presiding deity or the builder. Additionally, this Airavata adds a mythical charm to this architectural wonder. Notably, the Airavatesvara Temple earned the status of UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with Brihadeeswara Temple and Gangaikondacholisvaram Temple. These three form a trio known as the Great Living Chola Temples.

Location and History of Airavatesvara Temple:

King Rajaraja Chola II built this temple in Kumbakonam, a city in Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu. The construction is from around the 12^th Century CE.

King Rajaraja II funded a lot for construction of various Hindu Temples in his empire. Ayirattali, also called Rajarajapuri and Pazhaiyarai, was the secondary capital of the Cholas. This city complex also included Darasuram, where the Airavatesvara temple of Kumbakonam is situated. So, a temple at Ayirattali is mentioned as the ‘Airavatesvarar temple’ in some inscriptions. This temple is also known as Darasuram or Dharasuram Temple.

You can also read our other temple related post.

Architecture of Airavatesvara Temple:

The Airavatesvara temple is made of stone and features a chariot structure. Its special feature includes two sundials that look like the wheels of a chariot. One is for the morning, and the other is for the evening.

The surviving inner courtyard of the temple spans around six squares, creating an area of about 107 by 70 meters. However, the main sanctum is a 12-meter-sided square with strong walls. These walls support a vimana that is 24 meters in height.

Outside the temple courtyard, you will find the Nandi mandapam and the stambha. They stand in line with the east-west axis of the main temple.

Also visit  The Architecture of Brihadisvara Temple.

Circumambulatory Path

Generally, temples provide a circumambulatory path around the garbha-griha. Worshipers often walk along this path as a part of the ritual.  But, unlike some other temples, here, the circumambulatory path is found outside the sanctum courtyard. An ardha-mandapa connects the Garbha griha to the mukha-mandapa. It means this passageway (ardha mandapa) guides people from the inner sanctum to the welcoming hall. There are some pillars to support the ardha-mandapa and two massive dvarapalas to guard it.

The Maha mandapa of this temple is rectangular, measuring 24 by 18 meters. It is adorned with six rows of pillars. Additionally, this part of the temple depicts various intricate carvings and reliefs.

Agra Mandapa and The Musical Steps

To the east of the maha mandapa, there is another mandapa, called agra mandapa (or Rajagambhiran-tiru-mandapam). This hall has the shape of a chariot with stone horses and wheels. Also, a square porch, measuring 7 meters side, is attached to the Agra mandapa. This square porch boasts intricately carved steps that run from east to west. On its east, just outside the main podium, is the Bali-pitham. This consists of finely crafted balustrade steps. Interestingly, these steps produce a delightful musical note, while one steps on them. Eventually, they became known as the ‘Singing Steps’.

Sculpture

The sculpture plays a vital role in shaping the architecture of the temple. The pedestal of the Bali-pitham connects to a small shrine. The shrine houses a beautiful image of Lord Ganesha. Additionally, the reliefs along the base of the main temple tell a lot of stories. The stories are related to sixty-three Shaiva Bhakti saints, also called Nayanars. On the outer walls of the main sanctum, there are various reliefs, showing different Hindu deities. But, the middle one of each side depicts Lord Shiva in different aspects.

Optical Illusion

Apart from these, a bas-relief that creates an optical illusion is the most interesting one. The carving shows two different animals, with their heads overlapping making it look like one creature. If you solely look to the left, you will see a bull with horns. On the other hand, when you focus on the right one, you will see an elephant with a trunk.

Other Deities and Shrines:

Though Lord Shiva is the main deity of the Airavatesvara temple, this place also pays homage to other traditions of Hinduism. You can witness major Vedic and Puranic deities in the temple complex. Those include Brahma, Vishnu, Agni, Varuna, Vayu, Saptamatrikas, Maa Durga, Saraswati, Lakshmi, Ganga, Yamuna, Kama, Rati, and many more. In the southwest corner of the main temple, a mandapam houses four shrines. Among those, one is dedicated to the Yamaraja. Also, the nearby slabs are adorned with sculptures of the Sapthamathas (Seven celestial nymphs).

Notably, the temple complex contains another smaller shrine, dedicated to Lord Shiva’s consort. This is known as the ‘Periya Nayaki Amman Temple’ and lies north of Airavatesvara temple. However, in its complete state, this Amman temple might have been part of the main temple.

The Tank and The Miracles of Airavatesvara Temple:

Besides having impressive sculptures and various deities, the temple complex also has a special water tank. This tank is believed to be sacred and full of mythological miracles. One of those is related to Lord Indra’s white elephant, Airavata. Once, due to the curse of Maharishi Durvasa, Airavata lost its beauty and color. Mythology states that Airavata regained its white skin after taking a bath here. A carved image of this Airavata is still there in the inner shrine. Also, the tank is connected to the Cauvery River, where many Hindus gather annually to take a dip.

Unfortunately, in the present time, many sections of Airavatesvara temple, such as the gopuram, are in a ruinous condition. The main temple and the associated shrines stand alone. Even in this state, the temple still attracts many people throughout the country. Every year, in the month of Magha, special pujas are conducted in the temple. These Pujas focus on the deities such as Maa Durga and Lord Shiva. For this reason, the temple witnesses a heavy gathering of Hindu pilgrims at this time.