Airavateswarar Temple at Darasuram near Kumbhakonam : The name Darasuram is said to be a corruption of the original name Rajarajapuram, and this temple - smaller than the Periya Kovil and Gangai Konda Choleeswaram dates back to Raja Raja II's period (12th century AD). The Periya Nayaki Amman temple stands out as a separate temple because the outer walls of the temple have disappeared with the passage of time, unlike the original Periya Kovil in Thanjavur. Darasuram is described as a sculptor's dream re-lived in stone. The front mandapam itself is in the form of a huge chariot drawn by horses. Paintings and sculptured panels abound here, causing this shrine to be a veritable storehouse of art. The Vimanam is only about 80 feet in height. In front of the temple are stone panels which produce tones of varying pitches when struck.

When I first visited this temple in 1993 it was in a fairly good state. In year 2001 i found it in ruins, and in 2002 a fair amount of renovation has taken place and is ongoing.

How to visit. Tamil Nadu is a state well served by Trains, state buses and private coaches inspite of rampant corruption which is the prme occupation in the state. The cars are also relatively very cheap and comfortable. Car was provided to us with an excellent driver Ali by Moon Travels. Contact Venkatesh Ramsingh, venki78@yahoo.com , Tel 00 91 44 4939069.

If you wish to see more photoes on indian sites go to www.webshots.com , select community and enter SSIVA3.