This
small town of Dharasuram
lies in the district
of Tanjore. It is
famous for its Siva
temple of Airavateswarar.
The temple is a
good example of
architectural and
sculptural workmanship.
The temple is not
well maintained
as the other famous
temples are. A lot
of sculptural works
seems to have been
transferred to other
places, spoiling
the beauty of the
temple. It is believed
that the white elephant
of Indra,  Airavata
worshipped Lord
Siva here and hence
the name. It is
believed that Airavat
cured the curse
of Yama –
that of having a
burning sensation
all over the body
– by asking
him to take a bath
in the holy tank
here. Yama was cured
of his disease and
subsequently the
Teertham came to
be known as Yama
Teertham. It is
believed that a
lot of Chola kings
worshipped here
and renovated the
temple from time
to time. The Pandya
kings also made
constructions in
the temple. The
goddess of this
temple is known
as Deva Nayaki.
There are a lot
of carvings on the
inner walls. The
artistic styles
of the workers are
par excellence.
There are great
sculptural masterpieces
as well.
Dharasuram has a
railway station
and falls on the
Madras Tanjore line.
The place is thus
easily accessible
by rail and road.
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