The monolithic ‘Pancha Ratha Temples’ of Mahabalipuram (The Five chariot temples): The UNESCO World Heritage Site of India- XIII
THE SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION OF THIS ANCIENT MONOLITHIC STRUCTURE:
This is magnificent "Dharmaraja Ratha (chariot)" seen from the southern side...clearly reflecting its unfinished work. Dharmaraja Ratha is another monument in the Pancha Rathas complex at Mahabalipuram, India. It is a splendid example of monolith Indian rock-cut architecture. Dating from the late 7th century, it is attributed to the reign of King Mahendravarman I and his son Narasimhavarman I (630–680 AD) of the Pallava Kingdom.
Resembling a chariot (ratha), it is carved out of a single, long stone of pink granite.
Though sometimes mistakenly referred to as a temple, the structure was not consecrated because it was not completed following the death of Narasimhavarman I.
The structure is named after the eldest of the Pancha Pandavas, of epic Mahabharata fame, though this nomenclature is not supported by its iconography. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
There are many sculptures on the corners of the sanctum, which depict Shiva; Harihara, Brahma-Sasta, Skanda, Brahma, Ardhanarisvara (half Shiva half Parvati) and Krishna are depicted alongside an inscribed portrait of a king, indicated to be Narasimhavarman I, who commissioned the temple.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
The monolithic ‘Pancha Ratha Temples’ of Mahabalipuram (The Five chariot temples):
In the southern Mahabalipuram is a set of five magnificent monolithic rock structures, built by the Pallavas in early 7th century A.D. This group of monuments is maintained by Archeological Survey of India (ASI) and is part of the UNESCO Heritage Site.
The five rathas are named after the 'Pandavas' (five brothers) of Mahabharata and one after Draupadi. The five rathas are Dharmaraja Ratha, Bhima Ratha, Arjuna Ratha, Draupadi Ratha and Nakul-Sahadev Ratha.
All the rathas are aligned in north-south direction, and are made up of monolithic granites. Though they are mistakenly referred to as temples, but they were never regarded as such, because none of them were completed before the death of Narasimhavarman I.
Descriptions of ‘Pancha Ratha Temples’:
Draupadi Ratha
Upon entering the complex the first smallest temple on the left is dedicated to Draupadi, the common consort of Pancha Pandavas. The roof of this is a special arch, like thatched cottage. The temple is guarded on two sides of its entrance by two beautiful sculptures of women. This unfinished structure is dedicated goddess Durga.
Arjuna Ratha
The very next to Draupadi Ratha is the temple dedicated to Arjuna. The Arjuna ratha resembles a small palace or pavilion. It is a two-tier structure, and is having an octagonal dome. The walls are curved into panels with fourteen sculptures of gods and humans.
Bhima ratha
Bhima ratha is the largest ratha here and is also the most beautifilly carved one.
It is a single tiered oblong structure with a barrel-vaulted roof with an unfinished passage supported on pillars mounted with lion posts as the base.
Dharmaraja ratha
The Dharmaraja ratha is a three-tier temple, and has an octagonal dome with a stone lion carved in the front yard. Dharmaraja ratha is at the southern most end of the complex, and has a square structure with a pyramid shaped tower atop.
Nakula & Sahadeva Ratha
The ratha dedicated to Nakula & Sahadeva stands isolated towards the northern end with a large sculpture of an elephant adjoining it.
There is a big sculpture of a bull behind Draupadi & Arjun Rathas.
The premises has a few rocks with unfinished works which indicate more structures were still in plan to be finished.
Mamallapuram/ Mahabalipuram:
Mamallapuram, also known as Mahabalipuram, is a town in Chengalpattu district in the southeastern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is best known for the UNESCO World Heritage Site of 7th- and 8th-century Hindu Group of Monuments. The town was named after Pallava king Narasimhavarman I, who was also known as Mahamalla. It is about 60 kilometres south of Chennai. The site is managed by the Archaeological Survey of India.
History
Mahabalipuram was the capital region during the reign of Pallava Dynasty in the 7th century AD. The Pallava rulers used to hold the definitive command in the southern part of India. The rulers were popular for their inclination towards Tamilian art and culture. The power and creativity was at its peak during the kingdom of Narasimha Varman-I and II. The rulers immortalized their glories with the splendid monuments they built. The Monuments reflect their finest architectural splendour, and rich cultural heritage.
Source: Wikipedia and others
The monolithic ‘Pancha Ratha Temples’ of Mahabalipuram (The Five chariot temples): The UNESCO World Heritage Site of India- XIII
THE SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION OF THIS ANCIENT MONOLITHIC STRUCTURE:
This is magnificent "Dharmaraja Ratha (chariot)" seen from the southern side...clearly reflecting its unfinished work. Dharmaraja Ratha is another monument in the Pancha Rathas complex at Mahabalipuram, India. It is a splendid example of monolith Indian rock-cut architecture. Dating from the late 7th century, it is attributed to the reign of King Mahendravarman I and his son Narasimhavarman I (630–680 AD) of the Pallava Kingdom.
Resembling a chariot (ratha), it is carved out of a single, long stone of pink granite.
Though sometimes mistakenly referred to as a temple, the structure was not consecrated because it was not completed following the death of Narasimhavarman I.
The structure is named after the eldest of the Pancha Pandavas, of epic Mahabharata fame, though this nomenclature is not supported by its iconography. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
There are many sculptures on the corners of the sanctum, which depict Shiva; Harihara, Brahma-Sasta, Skanda, Brahma, Ardhanarisvara (half Shiva half Parvati) and Krishna are depicted alongside an inscribed portrait of a king, indicated to be Narasimhavarman I, who commissioned the temple.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
The monolithic ‘Pancha Ratha Temples’ of Mahabalipuram (The Five chariot temples):
In the southern Mahabalipuram is a set of five magnificent monolithic rock structures, built by the Pallavas in early 7th century A.D. This group of monuments is maintained by Archeological Survey of India (ASI) and is part of the UNESCO Heritage Site.
The five rathas are named after the 'Pandavas' (five brothers) of Mahabharata and one after Draupadi. The five rathas are Dharmaraja Ratha, Bhima Ratha, Arjuna Ratha, Draupadi Ratha and Nakul-Sahadev Ratha.
All the rathas are aligned in north-south direction, and are made up of monolithic granites. Though they are mistakenly referred to as temples, but they were never regarded as such, because none of them were completed before the death of Narasimhavarman I.
Descriptions of ‘Pancha Ratha Temples’:
Draupadi Ratha
Upon entering the complex the first smallest temple on the left is dedicated to Draupadi, the common consort of Pancha Pandavas. The roof of this is a special arch, like thatched cottage. The temple is guarded on two sides of its entrance by two beautiful sculptures of women. This unfinished structure is dedicated goddess Durga.
Arjuna Ratha
The very next to Draupadi Ratha is the temple dedicated to Arjuna. The Arjuna ratha resembles a small palace or pavilion. It is a two-tier structure, and is having an octagonal dome. The walls are curved into panels with fourteen sculptures of gods and humans.
Bhima ratha
Bhima ratha is the largest ratha here and is also the most beautifilly carved one.
It is a single tiered oblong structure with a barrel-vaulted roof with an unfinished passage supported on pillars mounted with lion posts as the base.
Dharmaraja ratha
The Dharmaraja ratha is a three-tier temple, and has an octagonal dome with a stone lion carved in the front yard. Dharmaraja ratha is at the southern most end of the complex, and has a square structure with a pyramid shaped tower atop.
Nakula & Sahadeva Ratha
The ratha dedicated to Nakula & Sahadeva stands isolated towards the northern end with a large sculpture of an elephant adjoining it.
There is a big sculpture of a bull behind Draupadi & Arjun Rathas.
The premises has a few rocks with unfinished works which indicate more structures were still in plan to be finished.
Mamallapuram/ Mahabalipuram:
Mamallapuram, also known as Mahabalipuram, is a town in Chengalpattu district in the southeastern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is best known for the UNESCO World Heritage Site of 7th- and 8th-century Hindu Group of Monuments. The town was named after Pallava king Narasimhavarman I, who was also known as Mahamalla. It is about 60 kilometres south of Chennai. The site is managed by the Archaeological Survey of India.
History
Mahabalipuram was the capital region during the reign of Pallava Dynasty in the 7th century AD. The Pallava rulers used to hold the definitive command in the southern part of India. The rulers were popular for their inclination towards Tamilian art and culture. The power and creativity was at its peak during the kingdom of Narasimha Varman-I and II. The rulers immortalized their glories with the splendid monuments they built. The Monuments reflect their finest architectural splendour, and rich cultural heritage.
Source: Wikipedia and others