Airavateeswarar temple
On our second day in Kumbalonam, we set out to Airavateeswarar temple by 8 am in the morning. This place is called Darasuram and was within 10 kms from our hotel. We had to take the by-pass route. This road is still under construction. Number of fly-overs are also being built in between to connect the arterial roads. Once all this work is completed, our travels would become easier.
This temple is built by Raja Raja Cholan's grandson (his daughter's son). He had tried to replicate the Brahadeeshwarar temple architecture here with lots of detailing given to the artwork in the temple. We saw temple nearly empty, very few interested in the temple architecture where seen around taking picture and appreciating the art. This is also under the Archaeological Survey of India and this also declares as a UNESCO's heritage site.
At the entrance of the temple is the 7 music steps. Each of them will produce the sound of each of the 7 notes when you tap on them. Currently to protect this the steps have been locked. Two pillars stand unconnected at the entrance. We worshipped Lord Airavateeswarar and started looking around the temple. Lord Airavateeswarar consort has a separate temple adjacent. This had a deserted look, due to no devotees/visitors the Amman stands in a poorly lit and uncleaned sanctum. Hope the clean-up happens soon.
We also visited the near by handlooms. There are several houses near the temple, engaged in making silk and cotton handloom sarees.
Returned back to hotel back by 10am to have our complimentary breakfast. It was a south Indian buffet breakfast - Kesari, pongal, vadai, poori-masal and accompaniments - chutney, sambar. Enjoyed the spread out.
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