Pancha Ratha Temples

Situated in Tamil Nadu is one of India’s most extraordinary examples of monolithic Indian rock-cut architecture. This group of five caves is named after the five Pandavas - Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakul, Sehdeva, and their wife Draupadi. But don’t be misguided by the names, as the structures have no connection to the epic Mahabharata.

Pancha Ratha Caves, Mahabalipuram | Source: Wikipedia

Constructed by the Pallava king Narasimhavarman in the 7th century, the Ratha Caves are located in the Kancheepuram district of Tamil Nadu. These monuments represent a beautiful fusion of Hinduism's religious and cultural elements. The architecture, dedicated to Shaivism, Vaishnavism, and Shaktism, is engraved with Sanskrit inscriptions, offering profound insights into South Indian culture.

‘Pancha Ratha’ translates to ‘Five Chariots,’ constructed in the shape of a chariot, each carved from a single piece of stone.

Five of the ten Rathas at Mahabalipuram are named after the five Pandava brothers and their wife, Draupadi. These caves showcase exemplary monolithic architecture. Despite their names' connection to the Mahabharata, the temples honour Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Goddess Durga.

Some elements in each Ratha establish a sense of familiarity, with each temple set on a moulded plinth and sculpted within a specific niche. The walls feature curved brackets supporting the overhanging eave.

The first among these five Rathas is the Dharmaraja (Yudhishtira) Ratha, followed by the Bhima Ratha, Arjuna Ratha, and Draupadi Ratha. Nakul and Sehdeva Rathas are positioned to the northwest and southwest, respectively. Drawing inspiration from Buddhist Viharas and Chaityas, these caves exemplify the diversity of Dravidian architectural styles, creating a unique masterpiece.

Except for Nakul and Sehadeva Ratha, which have entrances on the southern side, all other caves feature entrances on the northern side.

Among these five caves, Dharmaraja (Yudhishtira) Ratha is the largest three-storied structure, while Draupadi Ratha is the smallest one-storied structure with a beautifully carved roof. Dharmaraja Ratha boasts a square-shaped floor with a rectangular-shaped frame, featuring a porch supported by pillars. The lower floor remains uncarved, while the upper two contain shrines. The walls are adorned with inscriptions depicting the life of Narasimhavarman. The main deities include Ardhanarishvara, Harihara, and Lord Bramha, along with carvings of different avatars of Lord Shiva.

Next to Dharmaraja Ratha is Bhima Ratha, showcasing a prominent wooden roof. Lord Vishnu in his reclining form is the main deity. The interior lacks inscriptions or sculptures, distinguishing it from other Rathas.

Adjacent to Bhima Ratha is Arjuna Ratha, approximately six times smaller than Dharmaraja Ratha. This Ratha features a hexagonal shikhara with walls adorned by sculptures of Lord Vishnu, Kartikeya, and Lord Indra, and depictions of various stages of human life.

Arjuna Ratha and Draupadi Ratha are dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Durga.

Draupadi Ratha, located next to Arjuna Ratha, is dedicated to Goddess Durga. The temple's interior houses one image of the goddess, while the exterior displays three. Draupadi Ratha exhibits inspiration from the Nagara-style Hindu temple architecture.

The Nakula-Sehadeva Ratha is a two-storied, Vesara (hybrid form of Indian temple) Style temple dedicated to Kartikeya, Lord Bramha, and Lord Indra. Adjacent to the temple are the Arjuna temple and a sculpture of a standing elephant.

In addition to the Pancha Ratha, there is one Ganesha Ratha, one Valayankuttai Ratha, and two Pidari (Tamil Hindu Deity) Rathas, showcasing Nagara-style and Dravidian-style architecture.

These monolithic Indian rock-cut architecture temples stand as a significant marvel of South India. In modern times, they are under the conservation of ASI (Archaeological Survey of India). In 1984, UNESCO recognized them as a World Heritage Site under the name of the Group of Monuments of Mahabalipuram.