The temple town of Kumbakonam, about 3 kms from Darasuram, is where my grandparents live, and also where my mom grew up (more on that some other time). My dad and I went there on a 1-day trip, and squeezed in a visit to Darasuram, to see the Airavateshwara temple, built by the Chola king Rajaraja Chola II in the 12th century AD. The presiding deity of this temple is Airavateshwara, a form of Lord Shiva. The front portion of the temple is shaped like chariot, drawn by horses. I'll post in a little more detail about the temple on the Go-Unesco site soon. Some pictures, for now:
A flower-seller outside the temple who also keeps an eye on your footwear.
