Airavatesvara Temple, Darasuram, Tamil Nadu
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Airavatesvara Temple Timings

Airavatesvara Temple is open 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, daily.

Lord Shiva · Darasuram, Tamil Nadu

ShivaEntry fee appliesMedium confidence
Darshan hours (as published)
6:00 AM - 12:00 PM · 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
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Set in Darasuram, Tamil Nadu, Airavatesvara Temple is a shrine to Lord Shiva. It is also known as Airavateswarar Temple, Dharasuram.

A major Shaivite centre and one of the three Great Living Chola Temples (with Thanjavur and Gangaikonda Cholapuram), celebrated for its exquisite stone craftsmanship and sculptural depictions of Hindu mythology. Airavatesvara Temple was built in the 12th century by Rajaraja Chola II and forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage 'Great Living Chola Temples'.

Tamil Nadu carries a distinct temple identity of its own: Land of towering gopurams and living Dravidian temple traditions, from the Chola masterpieces to the great Pancha Bhoota Sthalas.

Darshan hours and daily worship

SessionTiming (as published)
Morning6:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Evening4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Some sources list slightly wider hours (6:00 AM-12:30 PM and 4:00 PM-8:30 PM). Peak visiting hours are roughly 6:00-8:00 AM and 4:30-6:30 PM.

History and architecture

Built or establishedBuilt in the 12th century by Rajaraja Chola II (around 1146-1163 CE).

Architecture

A UNESCO-listed masterpiece of Chola architecture, famous for its chariot-shaped front hall (mandapa) with a stone bridge and an intricately carved horse-drawn chariot. The main tower (vimana) is about 24 metres tall, the shortest yet most finely detailed of the three Great Living Chola Temples.

History

Airavatesvara Temple was built in the 12th century by Rajaraja Chola II and forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage 'Great Living Chola Temples'. Its detailed sculptures, inscriptions and rituals reflect the artistry and religious traditions of the Chola dynasty.

Planning your visit

Entry feeAbout Rs 50 for Indian visitors and Rs 500 for foreign visitors (a protected heritage monument).
Dress codeModest attire recommended; footwear must be removed before entering the sanctum or main temple areas.
Best time to visitNovember to February, when temperatures are mild and the carvings are clearly visible; early morning offers soft light and fewer crowds. Avoid the June-September monsoon.
NearbySri Nageswaraswamy Temple and Sri Sarangapani Swamy Temple in Kumbakonam.

How to reach

Nearest airport is Tiruchirappalli International Airport (about 85 km). Darasuram Railway Station is about 1 km from the temple; it is well connected by road (NH36) with taxis, autos and buses from Kumbakonam and Darasuram town.

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Where this information comes from

Confidence: Medium. History and entry fee (Rs 50/Rs 500) are well documented; timings differ slightly between sources (6 AM-12 PM & 4-7 PM vs. 6 AM-12:30 PM & 4-8:30 PM).

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Frequently asked questions about Airavatesvara Temple

What is the timing of Airavatesvara Temple?

Airavatesvara Temple is open 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, daily. Some sources list slightly wider hours (6:00 AM-12:30 PM and 4:00 PM-8:30 PM). Peak visiting hours are roughly 6:00-8:00 AM and 4:30-6:30 PM.

What are the darshan (visiting) hours at Airavatesvara Temple?

As published, morning darshan runs 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM and evening darshan runs 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM. Some sources list slightly wider hours (6:00 AM-12:30 PM and 4:00 PM-8:30 PM). Peak visiting hours are roughly 6:00-8:00 AM and 4:30-6:30 PM.

Is there an entry fee at Airavatesvara Temple?

About Rs 50 for Indian visitors and Rs 500 for foreign visitors (a protected heritage monument).

What is the dress code at Airavatesvara Temple?

Modest attire recommended; footwear must be removed before entering the sanctum or main temple areas.

What is the best time to visit Airavatesvara Temple?

November to February, when temperatures are mild and the carvings are clearly visible; early morning offers soft light and fewer crowds. Avoid the June-September monsoon.

How do I reach Airavatesvara Temple?

Nearest airport is Tiruchirappalli International Airport (about 85 km). Darasuram Railway Station is about 1 km from the temple; it is well connected by road (NH36) with taxis, autos and buses from Kumbakonam and Darasuram town.

Who is the presiding deity at Airavatesvara Temple?

Lord Shiva

What is the history of Airavatesvara Temple?

Airavatesvara Temple was built in the 12th century by Rajaraja Chola II and forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage 'Great Living Chola Temples'.

What else is worth seeing near Airavatesvara Temple?

Sri Nageswaraswamy Temple and Sri Sarangapani Swamy Temple in Kumbakonam.

How reliable is the information on this Airavatesvara Temple page?

This listing's confidence is rated medium. History and entry fee (Rs 50/Rs 500) are well documented; timings differ slightly between sources (6 AM-12 PM & 4-7 PM vs. 6 AM-12:30 PM & 4-8:30 PM).