Legend: The Airavatesvara temple is dedicated to Lord Siva. Siva is here known as Airavateshvara, because he was worshiped at this temple by Airavata the white elephant mount of Lord Indra, King of Swarga Loka.. Legend has it that Airavata, while suffering from a change of color curse from Sage Durvasa, had his colors restored by bathing in the sacred waters of this temple. This legend is commemorated by an image of Airavata with Indra seated in an inner shrine.
Yama: It is said that the King of Death,Yama also worshiped Shiva here. Tradition has it Yama, who was suffering under a Rishi's curse from a burning sensation all over the body, was cured by the presiding deity Airavatesvarar. Yama took bath in the sacred tank and got rid of the burning sensation. Since then the tank has been known as Yamatheertham.
his temple is a storehouse of art and architecture and has some exquisite stone carvings. The Vimanam (tower) is 24 m (80 ft) high The south side of the front mandapam (pillared hall) is in the form of a huge chariot with large stone wheels drawn by horses.The pictures speak volumes about the temple and the exquisite amazing & awesome art & architecture of this temple.
Thats a fantastic serie Photo's.... i like the details also very much..... compliments.
ReplyDeleteWish you a very nice weekend, Joop
thanks for your comment.
Oh the architecture is magnificent you photos capture them beautifully. B
ReplyDeleteIndian architecture at its best :)
ReplyDeleteLoved the pictures . Great post Ram!
It is a virtual feast for the eyes.I am beholden to you for providing all these scintillating pictures that depit the great chola architecture.Though I hail from Kumbakonam I have not visited this temple.I realise how much I have missed.
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous temple! Thank you for your close up of their photos. Great historical architecture.
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it is truly incredible! so much detail!
ReplyDeleteExcellent images and description!
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I always admire the architecture of our South Indian temples. Such a treasure trove. The features of the deities are so beautiful and very natural. The dance postures...great!
ReplyDeleteThe gopurams are full of intricate sculptures. Some have 'shikhara' gopurams, not dravidian, I think. I have to visit this temple. Thanks for the pictorial tour of the place!
The story also is interesting!
I was reminded of my visit to this grand temple!
ReplyDeleteI did a post too. Loved revisiting it through your captures.
I have been to this Temple in my childhood days when my Uncle worked in kumbakonam... But now I don't remember that much and love to visit the place one more time...
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely marvelous! Wonderful detail in your photos... the temple’s architecture resembles various aspect of the big temple of Thanjavur. There’s a lot to observe and I liked more the chariot mandapam and pillar detail.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the interesting tour Ram,your beautiful images show many aspects of this marvelous temple and vast array of sculptures.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes,
Ruby
I have been to this place. The craftsmanship is exquisite.
ReplyDeleteMy goodness -- I agree with Rajesh -- amazing work.
ReplyDeleteYou would have attained salvation by now Rama, having visited all these lovely abodes of the almighty:)
ReplyDeleteNice photographs. I really liked ones in which that lion type creature is devouring the elephant.
ReplyDeleteHave a nice day :)
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beautiful photos, I especially like number 11 and 19 and 20
ReplyDeletethe photo is a sunrise... the sun coming up over the river....
ReplyDeleteI'm amazed by the exquisite detail created in stone on the temple walls.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully captured yet again! I enjoy reading the legend just as much as the pictures and now, I'm off to research more :)
ReplyDeleteNamaste....
ReplyDeletesuch artistry, you can see that enormous work with into each structure.
It is a grand temple. Amazing carvings and details. Great post!
ReplyDeleteNo wonder it's a UNESCO site, it's just magnificent!
ReplyDeleteA fabulous temple.
ReplyDeleteGreat historical places!! Really craftsmanship is best. We are into travel business provides you cheap tickets to India from Perth. Website Click Here
ReplyDeleteThank you :-)
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