Darasuram Attractions - Tourist Places To Visit In 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.

Pazhayarai is believed to have been the erstwhile capital of the great Chola dynasty. Pazhayarai also houses some ancient temples from the era of the Cholas. The most prominent amongst them is the Pazhaiyarai Someswarar Temple or Pazhayarai Vadathali, as it is otherwise known as. It is located approximately 6 kilometres away from Kumbakonam and is even closer to Darasuram. It is only 3 kilometres away from Darasuram.

The temple is a must visit and is a famous spot of pilgrimage. It is located close to the railway station at Darasuram. Pazhayarai Vadathali is one of four ancient temples that is located in Pazhayarai, the others being Metrali, Kelthali and Thenthali, each an architectural marvel on its own.

Patteeswaram is a quaint non-descript village located some 8 kilometres from the town of Kumbakonam. The village has been named after Patti, the calf of Kamadhenu, the holy cow revered by Hindus. As legend has it, Patti used to worship Lord Shiva at this very place; the reason why it is known by the name Patteeswaram. The village is famous for the temple of Goddess Durga. The architecture of the temple has elements of Pallava, Chola and Nayak styles. Hence, it is believed that the temple had been built and rebuilt several times along the course of the ages.

Lord Rama is also believed to have visited Patteeswaram and installed three Shivalingams, in order to rid himself of the sin incurred from slaying Ravana. He is also believed to have made a well here for the purpose of performing ablutions to the Shivalingams he installed. It is believed that the well brought the waters of Dhanushkodi right to the spot.

Patteeswaram is located some 3 kilometres away from Darasuram, along the Darasuram Valangaiman Road. It is easily approachable by bus from both Kumbakonam and Darasuram. 

Tirunallur is a village on the outskirts of Darasuram. It is located around 8 kilometres from Darasuram in the Orathanadu Taluk of Thanjavur district. The village is famed for the Kalyanasundareswarar Temple. Lord Shiva is worshipped as Kalyanasundareswarar in this temple. It is believed that the temple was built during the time of the Chola dynasty. The temple is an important place of worship and attracts many devotees from far and wide throughout the year.

The easiest way to get to the temple is to board a bus bound to Tirunallur from Darasuram. It is also possible to get here by train as the Sundaraperumal Kovil Railway Station is close to Tirunallur. 

Papanasam literally translates to destruction of sins. It is a town located in Thanjavur district about 10 kilometres from Darasuram. The town is 25 kilometres from the district’s headquarters of Thanjavur and 15 kilometres from the town of Kumbakonam. Papanasam is most famous for the Pallaivanatha Swamy Temple that is located here. The temple is believed to have been constructed by the Cholas. The town also has a huge granary which was constructed by the Nayaks. The granary is expansive and has a capacity of 3000 kalam; it is 36 feet high and 86 feet wide.

It is built in limestone and is believed to have been constructed between 1600 and 1634 AD. The Architectural Survey of India has declared it as a heritage monument.