Netflix series Bridgerton had been a global hit and there are millions of admirers for the Regency drama. Charithra Chandran, the British Indian actress has played the role of Edwina Sharma in the second season of Bridgerton. Recently, the actress visited her ancestral town in Tamil Nadu and has shared the pictures of the trip on her Instagram page. Charithra and her family visited the iconic Airavatesvara Temple in Thanjavur district.
Charithra who wore a simple pink kurta had spread the sacred paste on her forehead. Her pictures soon became viral with many appreciating her for embracing her roots. Besides, Charithra enjoyed a sumptuous traditional meal on a plantain leaf at a hotel in Kumbakonam.
The Airavatesvara Temple is located at Darasuram near Kumbakonam. Lord Shiva, also known as Airavatesvar is the main deity here. As per the Hindu legends, Airavata is a white elephant who carries the deity Indra, the king of 'devas'. According to legend, sage Durvasa cursed Airavata causing it to lose its unique white colour. Airavata prayed to Lord Shiva to get back his colour. Shiva appeared in front of the elephant and asked him to take a dip in the temple’s pond. Airavata took a dip in the pond as instructed by Shiva re-emerged white. Honouring this legend, Lord Shiva is worshipped here in the form of Airavatesvar. On the north of the temple, Goddess Parvati is worshipped at the Periya Nayaki Amman Kovil. Devotees who go to Airavatesvara Temple often visit this shrine too.
The Airavatesvara Temple boasts of intricate stone works that celebrates the unique Dravidian architectural style. Raja Raja Chola II, the Chola king who rule Thanjavur in the 12th century had built this magnificent temple. Airavatesvara Temple, Brihadeeswara Temple and Gangaikonda Choleeswarar Temple are known as the great temples of the Chola era. In 1987, UNESCO declared the Airavatesvara Temple as a world heritage site.
