Airavatesvara Temple, Darasuram

Airavatesvara Temple is one of the principal attractions of Darasuram and attracts a lot of devotees throughout the year. As the legend goes, it is here that Airavata, the white elephant of the king of devas, worshipped Lord Shiva. Airavata worshipped Lord Shiva to be free from a curse by Sage Durvasa. Lord Yama, the Hindu god of death, is also believed to have worshipped Lord Shiva in this temple. Lord Shiva is worshipped as Lord Airavatesvara in this temple. The temple is an excellent example of early Dravidian temple architecture. There a lot of intricate stone carvings in this temple.

It is smaller in size than Gangaikondacholapuram Temple and Brihadeeswara Temple, but is much more elaborate in terms of detail. The sanctum of the temple is designed in the form of a chariot drawn by horses. The temple is a place that must be visited once in Darasuram.