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Airavatesvara Temple

Airavatesvara Temple

Airavatesvara Temple
5
Architectural BuildingsReligious Sites
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
About
This 12th-century Chola temple is a compact gem.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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  • barcelonaowl
    42 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wonderful temple
    Amazing temple, small but perfectly formed. Of the three Living Chola temples this was my favourite. Incredible sculptures everywhere. It is highly recommended to have a guide who will be able to provide more details about the temple and show you specific sculptures and the stories behind them. We spent a brilliant hour with K Saravanan (9865307339) who was enthusiastic, entertaining and gave us a brilliant tour of the temple (in English).
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 27 November 2023
  • Shonil_B
    Pune, India366 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Heavenly Experience.
    The Airavateshwar Temple this is truly a gem and for World Heritage site. the carvings on the temple are an amazing piece what can be seen. The temple is like a chariot being pulled by elephants and horses. Every minute details like the jewelries of the elephant and the horses have been carved with utmost care and perfection. The pillars of the temple have beautiful carvings and each pillow is worth spending some time with. the temple is not lit by electric light and hence the natural light inside the temple appears to be very beautiful. all sides of the temple wall and the surroundings have carvings on it and a person interested in watching this can easily spend two to three hours watching each and every idol. If you're single you can just sit in one corner of the temple plug in your earphones and listen to some classical music, the feeling will be nothing lesser than a heaven. The total time spent year could be approximately one hour. The premises is not having toilets Drinking water needs to be carried on your own. No Cloak Room. In case you found my review helpful, kindly click on the helpful button and follow me for more reviews of attractions all over India
    Visited December 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 4 January 2024
  • Swat K
    7 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A mesmerizing temple structure, the likes that only a Chola emperor could have pulled off.
    Airatheeshwara temple, built by Raja Raja chola II, a UNESCO World Heritage site, part of the 3 great Chola temples, is an amazing architectural marvel. Similar to the other two Chola temples, this one has a uniqueness and mesmerizing structure. It is stated that the temple was built during a time when Chola empire was faced with Cauvery water crisis . This temple is built like a temple kund/pond. There are steps leading down to the temple structure, suggesting that the temple was probably built to store water in its own premises other than the surrounding water structure. This temple still faces water logging. It probably needs to be maintained with its original usage kept in mind. My theory on the sapta-swaram steps is that, they might have something to do with producing music when the rain water fell on them. The musical steps don't look large enough to have people walk on them and then they lead nowhere. Just my thoughts. I was amazed by the sculptures adorning the walls of the temple, there is an estimate that suggests , there are more than 40000 sculptures on the temple walls. Sadly many many stone sculpture seem to be missing, with empty chambers and empty slots on the walls. Having a guide will definitely make a good difference. The godess deity is in another temple just outside the main temple, equally filled with carvings and beautiful , petite like the deity herself. The temple is a peaceful and serene reminder of an era gone by and leaving us feeling the pain and effort that must have gone into this marvelous mega structure. I was looking forward to this visit and the Airateshwara temple left me in awe.
    Visited December 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 22 January 2024
  • Flyer49089232930
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Had a nice tour of temples in Kumbakonam and Thanjavur.
    I am working as Sheristadar, Principal District Court, Palakkad, Kerala. I have visited Kumbhakonam, Thanjavur in last week for 4 days. We got a good local guide Mr. Muthukumar who made our tour a memorable one. He took us to around 40 temples in Kumbhakonam, Thanjavur, Chidambaram, Thirunellar etc. He has deep knowldge of the temples and narrated about even minute details of the temples we visited. He is polite, friendly and he knows several languages also. He also introduced the best restaurants in the area. I would strongly recommend him as a guide for tours in Kumbhakonam, Thanjavur and surrounding areas. His mobile number is 9786802830.
    Visited September 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 28 September 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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5.0
5.0 of 5 bubbles458 reviews
Excellent
361
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Vidhya C
22 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2021 • Family
With a curiosity to visit the UNESCO site I stepped in, and came out with mind boggling information. For over an hour, our certified guide explained the sculptures. The detailing of the story of periya puranam, the various dance forms pictured in the pillars, the miniature carvings, it left us spell bound. As an educator, I feel that students should be taken to such places to understand the richness of the art and culture of our motherland.
Written 19 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

barcelonaowl
Barcelona, Spain42 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Couples
Amazing temple, small but perfectly formed. Of the three Living Chola temples this was my favourite. Incredible sculptures everywhere. It is highly recommended to have a guide who will be able to provide more details about the temple and show you specific sculptures and the stories behind them. We spent a brilliant hour with K Saravanan (9865307339) who was enthusiastic, entertaining and gave us a brilliant tour of the temple (in English).
Written 27 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Mohan2013
Chennai (Madras), India1,892 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
July 2022 • Couples
Since the temple is under the control of Archeological Survey of India as a World Heritage Site, the usual spiritual and religious sanctity is missing but considered by visitors as a Monument site. Even the place is open only after 8 am ulike a religious place opening by 6 am.

However the maintenance is remarkable with intricate architectural and beautiful stone carvings and sculptures depicting the numerous puranans and rituals of hinduism.

Beautiful lawn is kept all around the temple precints outside the walls.
Written 16 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Andrew D
Singapore, Singapore398 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2023 • Couples
Located one hour away from Thanjavur through a village trail surrounded by greeneries, this Kumbakonam temple has an authentic and intimate vibe to it, which immediately. Makes it a standout among the UNESCO-listed Great Chola Temples. Its carvings is renowned as the most complex of the three and we absolutely adore the mystical quality as we watch the locals go for prayers!
Written 1 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Shonil_B
Pune, India366 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Solo
The Airavateshwar Temple this is truly a gem and for World Heritage site. the carvings on the temple are an amazing piece what can be seen. The temple is like a chariot being pulled by elephants and horses. Every minute details like the jewelries of the elephant and the horses have been carved with utmost care and perfection. The pillars of the temple have beautiful carvings and each pillow is worth spending some time with. the temple is not lit by electric light and hence the natural light inside the temple appears to be very beautiful. all sides of the temple wall and the surroundings have carvings on it and a person interested in watching this can easily spend two to three hours watching each and every idol. If you're single you can just sit in one corner of the temple plug in your earphones and listen to some classical music, the feeling will be nothing lesser than a heaven.
The total time spent year could be approximately one hour. The premises is not having toilets Drinking water needs to be carried on your own. No Cloak Room.
In case you found my review helpful, kindly click on the helpful button and follow me for more reviews of attractions all over India
Written 4 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Swat K
7 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Family
Airatheeshwara temple, built by Raja Raja chola II, a UNESCO World Heritage site, part of the 3 great Chola temples, is an amazing architectural marvel. Similar to the other two Chola temples, this one has a uniqueness and mesmerizing structure.

It is stated that the temple was built during a time when Chola empire was faced with Cauvery water crisis .

This temple is built like a temple kund/pond. There are steps leading down to the temple structure, suggesting that the temple was probably built to store water in its own premises other than the surrounding water structure. This temple still faces water logging. It probably needs to be maintained with its original usage kept in mind.

My theory on the sapta-swaram steps is that, they might have something to do with producing music when the rain water fell on them. The musical steps don't look large enough to have people walk on them and then they lead nowhere. Just my thoughts.

I was amazed by the sculptures adorning the walls of the temple, there is an estimate that suggests , there are more than 40000 sculptures on the temple walls. Sadly many many stone sculpture seem to be missing, with empty chambers and empty slots on the walls.

Having a guide will definitely make a good difference. The godess deity is in another temple just outside the main temple, equally filled with carvings and beautiful , petite like the deity herself.

The temple is a peaceful and serene reminder of an era gone by and leaving us feeling the pain and effort that must have gone into this marvelous mega structure. I was looking forward to this visit and the Airateshwara temple left me in awe.
Written 22 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Premsundar
Thoothukudi, India108 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
One among the four Heritage sites in Tamilnadu. Build by Rajendra Chola II it is a big temple near Kumbakonam town. Architectural wonder. Must visit place in Thanjavur Temple series
Written 19 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Flyer49089232930
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2024 • Couples
I am working as Sheristadar, Principal District Court, Palakkad, Kerala. I have visited Kumbhakonam, Thanjavur in last week for 4 days. We got a good local guide Mr. Muthukumar who made our tour a memorable one. He took us to around 40 temples in Kumbhakonam, Thanjavur, Chidambaram, Thirunellar etc. He has deep knowldge of the temples and narrated about even minute details of the temples we visited. He is polite, friendly and he knows several languages also. He also introduced the best restaurants in the area. I would strongly recommend him as a guide for tours in Kumbhakonam, Thanjavur and surrounding areas. His mobile number is 9786802830.
Written 29 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

niluanu
Chennai (Madras), India671 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2022
Airavateshwara Temple is one of the Great Living Chola Temples, classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Located just off Kumbakonam, this excellent temple is a 12th century temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Do visit the temple for its stunning architecture and sculpture. Entry is free and car parking is available. The temple is maintained by The Archaeological Survey of India and is open from 8am till 12 noon and again from 4pm to 8pm.
Written 6 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Nsv
Singapore, Singapore109 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2019
Airavateswara temple is in a small place Darasuram. This is one of the Great Chola Temples( UNESCO heritage site) The other two are Brihadeeswara Temples in Thanjavur and Gangaikondacholapuram.
The architecture of the temple is amazing. There are detailed carvings on every pillar. I can't stop admiring the expertise of the artisans involved in this construction.. A must see place for architecture lovers.
Written 15 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Airavatesvara Temple, Kumbakonam

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