From Arasavalli to Airavatesvara Temple

Suryanarayana Temple, Arasavalli, Srikakulam- Andhra Pradesh 

 Indra, the Devendra, is here there everywhere 

And back in the 7th century

His Vajrayuda created a pond- Indrapushkarini 

Bringing pilgrims to take a dip 

In the mighty Sun Lord’s presence 

Ruling a remote village, Arasavalli, in Andhra Pradesh

Source: Wikimedia 

The lord of the world and light, Surya Deva 

Rides his majestic chariot, his three consorts by his side 

Installed by the great sage Kasyapa

Dreamt by Devendra 

The temple stands unique 

Source: Arasavalli Temple Website

As the rays of the sun 

Touch the feet of the murti

Twice a day for a handful of minutes 

In Spring and Autumn 

 

The welfare of mankind was the goal 

From nook & corners came the unfortunate

In the hope to cure the diseases of the eye and skin

Oh, God of Health, Suryanarayana Swami,

May your rays shine bright on the devotees

And heal the pain forever. 

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Airavatesvara Temple, Kumbakonam- Tamil Nadu

Oh, Airavata, the holy white elephant 

You dip into the Cauveri River’s channel

For your clear skin to shine again 

Giving the temple your name- a legacy 

Source: Tamilnadu-Favouritism
Rajaraja Chola II, oh, great king

The 12th century saw your glory 

In every chip and dent of this Karakkoil-

A temple built after a temple’s chariot

Source: Desi Thug

The musical stairs stand to a side 

Their sa re ga ma pa da ne 

Resounding in delight on each step of the rock

Entertaining Lord Shiva and Lord Yama 

As they share this pious space 

With Gods and Goddess that guide us through

Source: Vertigo Warrior

Plundered, damaged, and destroyed

By the Malik Kafur, Khasrua Khan, & Tughlaq

The temple survived to be revived again 

By the Vijayanagara Empire; 

Yet the ruins lay nearby- a brutal reminder 

Of the invaders, we are forced to glorify 

Source: Deepa Shree
************************************************************************Sources:
http://www.arasavallisungod.org/abouttemple.html 

https://www.facebook.com/templescience/posts/mysterious-temple-airavatesvara-temple-tamil-nadu-the-airavatesvara-temple-is-a-/2811432658898089/ 

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/optical-illusion-at-airavatesvara-temple 

https://templetownkumbakonam.com/2018/11/29/airavatesvara-temple-in-darasuram-history-pooja-timings-and-contact-details/

https://www.rvatemples.com/listings/airavatesvara-temple/

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