Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu
Main God
Lord Shiva
Timings
6:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location
Kumbakonam
Type
REGIONAL
Enter the temple and observe the front mandapam designed as a horse-drawn stone chariot. The stone wheels actually functioned as sundials.
Study the extraordinarily detailed stone carvings depicting scenes from mythology, daily Chola life, and the 63 Nayanmars. The musical steps that produce different notes when tapped are a highlight.
Enter the sanctum for darshan of Lord Airavatesvara (Shiva), named after Indra's white elephant Airavata who worshipped Shiva here.
Walk around the temple studying the exquisite bas-reliefs that are considered among the finest examples of Chola art anywhere.
Darasuram, Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu 612702
By Bus
Local buses from Kumbakonam (15 min). TNSTC buses from Thanjavur (30 min) and Trichy (2 hrs) to Kumbakonam.
By Air
Tiruchirappalli International Airport (TRZ) - 85 km (2 hours by road)
By Rail
Kumbakonam Railway Station - 4 km from the temple
Local Transport
Auto-rickshaws from Kumbakonam. The temple is in Darasuram village on the outskirts of Kumbakonam.
