188. DHARASURAM

AIRAVADHAESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance:

Shiva: Airavadhaeswarar

Amman: Deivanayaki

Speciality:

This temple was built by Rajaraja Chola II. In his days the place was called as Rajarajaeswaram. 

The famous poet Ottakoothar who was the court poet of the King Rajaraja II has referred about this temple in his poem Thakka Yaaga Bharani.

There is an idol which denotes Brahma, Vshnu, Shiva and Parashakthi together. This Shilpa has 3 heads and a womenly structure on the left part of the idol. 

The Nandhi and Palipeetam of the temple have been carved in the Chola Style.

There is a Rajagambeera Mahamandapam in the temple. The pillars walls and the roofs are full of sculptures. We can find Vinayaka in many dancing posture here. There are deities like Adhikara Nandhi, Annapoorani in this Mandapam. 

When we go inside to worship the main shrine Lord Shiva we can find Karthigeyan and Bhogashakthi Amman just outside the main shrine.

The temple has been constructed in the form of a Chariot. The Chariot wheels and the horses are also made of stone. 

There is a special Sarabaeswarar Sannidhi in this temple. Similar to this Sarabaeswarar there are 2 Sarabha Murthys in the temples of Thiribhuvanam and Thukkachi also.

Some of the Idols have been taken and placed in Thanjavur Museum. 

Deivanayaki Amman Sannidhi is found to the North of the temple. 

Ultimately the temple is full of Rare sculptures.

History:

Sage Dhurvasa cursed Airavadham the white elephant of Indhiran. It lost its white colour. This Airavadham came to this temple worshipped Lord Shiva and regained its original colour. We can see the idol of Indhiran sitting on the Airavadham in the temple. 

An Asura named Dharasura performed penance towards Lord Shiva and obtained many boons. He grew proud and insulted the Devas. He utilised the boons in an evil way. Finally Lord Shiva killed the Asura in this place and therefore this place came to be known as Dharasuram. 

Once Yaman was attacked by Leprosy due to the curse of Sages. He worshipped Shiva in many places. Finally he came to this place and worshipped Lord Shiva. He bathed in the temple pond and when he came out of the pond he was relieved from Leprosy. So the temple pond of this temple is considered very holy as the Dharasura Vadham and the Yama Saaba Vimochanam took place here. This pond is near the temple. 

In ancient days the temple had 7 Praharas. Due to invasions the temple has lost some praharas and now there is only 1 Prahara.