In Hinduism, Airavata (also known as Abhranu or Abhramatanga ) is a white elephant who carries Lord Indra. His name means "the one who knits or binds the clouds". He appeared from the churning of the milk ocean and has four tusks and seven trunks. He also stands at the entrance to Svarga, Indra's palace.

The connection of elephants with water and rain is emphasized in the mythology of Indra, who rides the elephant Airavata when he defeats Vritra. This mighty elephant reaches down his trunk into the watery underworld, sucks up its water, and then sprays it into the clouds, which Indra then causes to rain forth cool water, thereby linking the waters of the sky with those of the underworld.

There is a reference to Airavata in the Bhagvad Gita.

"Of horses, know Me to be the nectar-born Ucchaisravas; of lordly elephants, Airavata and of men, the monarch." (Chapter

At Darasuram near Tanjore is a temple where it is believed that Airavata worshipped the Lingam; the Lingam is named after him as Airavateswara. This temple , which abounds in architectural and rare sculptural specimens of workmanship was built by Rajaraja II (1146-73).

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation has declared the Brihadisvara temple of Gangaikondacholapuram in Perambalur district and the Airavatesvara temple of Darasuram in Thanjavur district "world heritage monuments, two examples of grandeur and excellence of Chola architecture and sculpture."