Darasuram

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Darasuram (also: Dharasuram, Tamil: தாராசுரம் Tārācuram [da ː ː ɾa suɾʌm ] ) is a city in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is located three kilometers from Kumbakonam in Thanjavur district. The population is around 15,000 ( 2011 census ).

The otherwise insignificant small town Darasuram is primarily known for the Airavatesvara Temple. This was given during the reign of the powerful Chola dynasty mid-12th century by King Rajaraja II commissioned and is one of the most important buildings of the Chola architecture. As one of three " great temple of the Chola dynasty " is one of the Airavatesvara Temple since 2004 a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Vimana of the temple Airavatesvara

Relief at Airavatesvara temple with scene from the Ramayana