Ayravateshwara Temple

The Ayravateshwara Temple is the main architectural monument, which brought widespread fame to the Darashuram temple complex in the vicinity of the city of Chennai, Tamil Nadu in South India. It is not as well preserved as other local buildings and sculptures, but its doors are open to tourists who want to understand the construction of such structures.

It was built in the XII century during the reign of Emperor Rajaraj Chola. The temple became a real sanctuary thanks to one of the legends that it was here that the god of death Yama was cured of a serious illness. For a long time he prayed to the god Shiva in the temple of Airavateswara and washed his body, suffering from unbearable itching and burning, in the river Kaveri (in memory of this legend, the sacred reservoir of Yamatirtha was built here).

Another legend says that Shiva was worshipped here and the sacred white elephant Ayravata. That is why this place is so dear to Hindus, who highly venerate their gods, and sincerely believe in legends and legends.