The Pancha Rathas (five) at Mahabalipuram, near Chennai city of Tamil nadu, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site was built in the 7th century CE during the reign of Pallava king Narasimhavarman I (Mamalla). They are an amazing set of monolithic rock-cut temples that attract lots of tourists. These structures are among the finest examples of early Dravidian architecture. Despite being named after the Pandavas and Draupadi from the Mahabharata, there is no historical or mythological connection whatso ever between them, acceding to the historians.Apparently, the names were given much later, likely due to their number (five) and their resemblance to chariots (rathas). These temples were intended as architectural prototypes to showcase different Dravidian styles, but were never completed or consecrated.
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| Five rathas (chariots)Mahabalipuram,TN |
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| Draupadi and Arjuna rathas, Mahabalipuram, telegraphindia.com |
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| Mahabalipuram,TN Bhima ratha, .sid-thewanderer.com |
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| Five rathas (chariots)Mahabalipuram,TN sid-thewanderer.com |
The design of each ratha is unique and distinctive. Draupadi Ratha, the smallest among them, resembles a Bengali-type four sloping thatched-roof hut. Arjuna Ratha, dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, shares a platform with Draupadi Ratha supported by lion-head and elephant freezes. It resembles the larger Dharmaraja Ratha. Bhima Ratha, the longest, has a barrel-vaulted roof topped by two-tired oblong roof and is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. Its structure is missive one befitting mighty Bhima, the Pandava brother.
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| Dharmaraja ratha, image credit. Av.kumar85 en.wikipedia.org |
The Dharmaraja Ratha, crowned with three-tired vimana is the tallest. It features intricate carvings of Shiva, Vishnu, and ornate pillars. Other deities. included in the complex are sculptures of a lion, elephant and bull, along with a few stupa-like structures.
Nakula-Sahadeva Ratha, separate from the rest, is associated with Indra and his mount, Airavata (white elephant). How these rock-cut temples, carved from a single stone, is a puzzle and it is a tedious and time-consuming job that needs richly talented rock-cut atisians.Considering the age in which it was built and lack of advanced rockcut technology, the temple complex stands as a true testimony to the absolute brilliance of ancient India’s advanced architectural capabilities.
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| Mahan=balipuram rock-cut temple complex, Tn, mahabalipuram.org |
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| Nakula-Shadeva Ratha, mahabalipuram, telegraphindia.com |
Surely they they showcase the architectural design elements of the Pallava era, reflecting early experimentation in Dravidian temple construction which later evolved into ornate tall towers (gopuras), sanctum (garbhagriha and halls or big mantapas with roof being supported by ornate hard stone pillars . Though their connection to the Mahabharata is only in name, they remain a significant testament to India’s rich sculptural heritage.
https://www.sid-thewanderer.com/2018/04/panch-ratha-mahabalipuram.html
https://kevinstandagephotography.wordpress.com/2016/06/13/mahabalipuram-pancha-rathas
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 of Mahabalipuram, TN -- A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a sermon in stone ){kind=link}