Are you an ancient masterpiece lover? The Five Rathas is just the place for you. The Five Rathas or Pancha Rathas have been the most remarkable ancient Indian architecture and symbolise a colossal part of medieval times. Located in Mahabalipuram, a coastal town in Tamil Nadu, India, The Five Raths is renowned for its valuable heritage and stunning rock-cut temples. The History of this monument dates to the 7th century during the reign of the Pallava dynasty. These Five Rathas were built by King Narasimhavarman I, also known as Mamalla. The king was passionate about art and architecture and wanted a Dravidian-style temple architecture in South India.
Architectural Features of these Five Rathas
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The Five Ratha monument in the Pancha Rathas complex resembles a chariot (in Hindi, ratha). When studied deeper, each ratha was carved over a long, single stone of granite that slopes in a north-south direction and has a slight incline. One unique and intriguing thing about these Five Rathas is that they were carved from a single rock, depicting ancient artisans’ skill, hard work, and art.
The Five Rathas have also been acknowledged as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This is also a religious and artistic site for all history and art lovers. The careful rock-cut architecture and the free-standing temples make the five raths a place for architects and sculptors’ lovers.
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Five Rathas and their Significance
We have curated a list of five rathas and their significance:
1. Dharmaraja Ratha
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The first of the Five Rathas is Dharmaraja Ratha, which is dedicated to Yudhishthira, the eldest of the Pandava brothers. This Ratha is the largest of all, and the complex is carved with a prominent pyramid-shaped roof. In the interior part of the house, there is a large sanctum for worship. There are plenty of more minor deities. With the Dharmaraja Ratha, there are eight more sculptures on the corner blocks. These hold Brahma, Harihara, Skanda, King Narsimhavarma I, three four-armed Shivas, and a beautiful Ardhanarisvara. When we look at the ratha, the carvings of various Gods are elaborately visible and depict critical scenes from Hindu mythology.
Key points: dedicated to Yudhisthira, the largest Rathas
2. Bhima Ratha
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The second of the Five Rathas is the Bhima Ratha, which is dedicated to Bhima, the second son of the Pandava. This ratha is an explicit symbol of Bhima, who was huge and powerful. The Raths are grand in size, with a robust structure and a unique design. The hall (mandapa) is large and is supported by multiple intricately carved pillars. Bhima Ratha is grander and more elaborate than other Five Rathas at Mahabalipuram. It consists of a rectangular base with walls that slope inwards, resembling the shape of a chariot or temple vimana (tower). The Grand Stature of the Bhima Ratha makes it unique from all and a must-visit.
Key points: dedicated to Bhima, unique design
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3. Arjuna Ratha
Arjuna Ratha, the third of the Five Raths, is dedicated to the third Pandava, known for his elegance and simplicity. The structure is relatively tiny and monolithic, making it a single rock-cut structure carved out of granite.
The features of the Arjuna Ratha represent beautiful carvings that recreate some significant parts of Hindu mythology. The well-proportioned design of the reflects Arjuna Ratha shows the art and emotions of the time. One of the rare aspects that makes Arjuna Ratha a great tourist attraction is its structural design and detailing of the carvings.
Key points: made of a single rock, dedicated to Arjuna
4. Nakula Sahadeva Ratha
The Nakula Sahadeva ratha is dedicated to the twin brothers Nakula and Sahadeva. It is smaller and less ornate than the Five Rathas. The design features of the Nakula Sahadeva ratha are more subdued and significantly highlight the artisans’ skill in functional and symbolic art space. The architectural style depicts many details, mythical creatures, and scenes from Hindu mythology. The monumental design also includes the figures of numerous gods, goddesses, and episodes from epic narratives like the Mahabharata.
Key points: dedicated to Nakula and Sahadeva, mythical creatures
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5. Panchavati Ratha
The Panchavati Ratha is the fifth of the Five Rathas and is not directly linked to the Pandavas but resembles a traditional South Indian temple. Its architecture is simple yet striking. The Panchavati Ratha imitates the monuments of the early Dravidian style, which includes a blend of art and spiritual significance. It is unique for a group of five rathas to be clustered together. The Panchavati Ratha has a separate significance from the other Rathas. It gives us insights into the temple-building practices followed in the Pallava period and reflects ancient India’s cultural and religious influences.
Key points: early Dravidian style, religious influences
Other Attractions
Image Credit: Hiroki Ogawa for Wikimedia Commons
Along with the Five Rathas, there is the Draupadi Ratha, which is dedicated to their wife, Draupadi. The Draupadi Ratha has a different style of building than the Five Rathas. Its structure is small and compact compared to that of Arjuna and Bhima.
Furthermore, you can visit other nearby monuments, including the Shore Temple, Arjuna’s Penance, and various other caves and sculptures that enhance the beauty of the place.
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Entry Fee and Best Time to Visit
There is an entry fee to visit the Five Rathas and other monuments in Mahabalipuram. For Indian Citizens, it is around ₹30, and for foreign tourists, it is around ₹500.
The ideal time to visit Mahabalipuram is between November and February when the weather is pleasant.
How To Reach
If you look forward to exploring the Five Rathas of Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, you can choose between road, rail, or flight travel.
By Road: You have three options for road travel: by bus, by road, and via local transport. State-run and private buses operate major terminals in Chennai, like Koyambedu Bus Terminal. The journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. You can rent or use a personal vehicle if you travel by car.
By Flight: If you prefer flights, the closest airport to the destination is Chennai International Airport (MAA), about 60 km (1.5 hours) away. There are many taxis or sharing services to reach the Five Rathas.
By Train: Chengalpattu station is the nearest railway station to Mahabalipuram for the rail yatra option. It is around 30-40 km away from the destination. To reach Mahabalipuram, you can quickly get many taxis and local buses from Chengalpattu station.
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Tamil Nadu itself is a place of culture and various traditions. Having the UNSECO-approved Five Rathas makes it unique on its own. The place carries a unique Dravidian style and showcases India’s rich architectural and cultural heritage. The historical significance and stunning art pose a captivating view for visitors worldwide. This journey of the Five Rathas offers a glimpse into the past and appreciation for the artisans that have shaped India’s culture and tradition over centuries. What keeps you thinking now? Plan a trip to Tamil Nadu, explore the Five Rathas, and enjoy the history and charm of it.
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Cover Image Credit: Vyacheslav Argenberg for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Five Rathas
What are the Five Rathas?
The Five Rathas, also known as the Pancha Rathas, are a group of monolithic rock-cut temples in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, and is named after a Pandava brother from the Mahabharata.
What are the benefits of visiting Five Rathas?
You can enjoy the historical and cultural insights of the medieval period and clips from the Mahabharata.
What is the best time to visit the Five Rathas?
To enjoy the best of the epitope of history, visit the place between November and February. These months have cooler weather, making the Five Rathas suitable for sightseeing.
What other attractions are near the Five Rathas?
Other tourist attractions to visit with the Five Rathas are the Shore Temple, Arjuna's Penance, and various rock-cut caves and sculptures.
Are there any precautions to take during our visit to the Five Rathas?
No such rules or safety measures are to be taken during the trip.
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