Darasuram temple flooded: ASI for permanent solution

Thanjavur: A permanent solution would be found for draining rain water that stagnates in the well known Airavateswaraswamy temple at Darasuram on the outskirts of Kumbakonam, assured R.S.Jamwal, director, (conservation), Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

He was speaking after inspecting the temple, which has been declared as a world heritage monument by UNESCO, near here on Sunday.

He inspected the stagnated rain water in the temple and drainage facilities. He ordered the ASI staff in the temple to take steps to drain the water immediately.
Later Mr. Jamwal said that a permanent structure would be created to drain rain water and prevent stagnation. Due to water stagnation, tourists were not able to visit the temple during the Monsoon days.

"Fund is not a problem. The ASI will provide it. But State government should cooperate with ASI. We will submit a proposal to the State government for carrying out the work. The idea is to take the rain water through a canal in the Northeastern side and drain it in a river nearby," Jamwal said.

Airavateswaraswamy temple was built by Raja Raja Chola-II in the 12th CE. The all stone temple, which is seen as a miniature version of the famous Big temple at Thanjavur, shares a unique heritage status with the latter and with another Big temple at Gangaikondacholapuram in Perambalur district, with all three having UNESCO tag.

The Darasumram temple has an 80-foot tall 'vimana', intricate sculptures and abounds in inscriptions. The principal deity is Sri Airavateswaraswamy. The name was derived as Airavata, the white elephant of Indra, worshipped the deity and got relieved from a curse of colour change.

The presiding Goddess in the shrine is Periya Nayaki. But the Amman shrine is located separately near the main temple.