#Darasuram Airavateshwara Temple. About 15 min from Kumbakonam, this was built by Raja Raja Chola II in the 12th century . Known for its exquisite sculptures & marvellous workmanship. It is under ASI, a UNESCO heritage site & daily rituals done by Thanjavur Maratha Palace. 
The prakaram is much smaller than Brihadeeshwara and Gangaikonda Cholapuram but has probably the best miniature sculptures.
The courtyards and Mantapas having beautiful pillars
Was surprised to see govt school kinds being brought here for a trip.Dint know basics though. When i asked them who built it, a boy said Pandya. The teacher wasnt really explaining anything.But they were genuinely awestruck & inquisitive. @MadhuKcvn u should take them on a trip !
The main Vimana which again has a lot of miniature sculptures. Too large to explain on tweets!
More sculptures
The agra mantapa on the front. This has the max work on the pillars and cieling. ( ref to previous tweet for pics). This is in the form of a chariot pulled by horses. Ofcourse you can see what has happend to the horse's face.
The famous bull - elephant sculpture. and exquisite steps!
The musical steps. Very step to the bali peetam makes one note from the 7 swaras. Its locked as its fragile. Went out of focus !
The temple was much larger according to inscriptions. ( @MadhuKcvn pls confirm, i read it somehwere.) This is what remains today. From cholas to vijayanagaras, to Marathas. TN could be the best example for successive Hindu dynasties post medeval cholas protecting temples.
The best way to see them would be a heritage trip with @ChithraMadhavan mam. She would explain inch by inch. 😍😁
Every step *
kids *
