devi with lotus and ratna-kalasa pot filled with gems , niche in a mandapa leading to the ardha-mandapa, airavatesvara temple, dar

airavatesvara ancient architecture beautiful carving century chola civilization culture darasuram devi dravidian empire famous god goddess great heritage hindu hinduism historic historical india indian kumbakonam kumbhamonam living mythology nadu outdoor rajaraja relief religion rich sacred sandstone sculpture shiva shrine site standing stone symbol tamil tamilnadu temple temples tourism unesco weathered world worship