Pancha Rathas : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

Pancha Rathas is a magnificent monument situated in Mahabalipuram, Tamilnadu, India. This marvelous complex of monuments is an acknowledged masterpiece of Mamalla’s reign and is one of the finest examples of ancient south Indian architecture. It is also one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is a must visit site when in Tamil Nadu. In this blog, we will take you through an exploring journey of the Pancha Rathas, sharing interesting facts and information, as well as a comprehensive travel guide. So let’s have a look at the majestic Pancha Rathas and discover why it is one of the most visited sites in India.

Interesting Facts About Pancha Rathas

1. The size and shape of the entire structure is said to resemble a chariot that could be pulled by five horses. This is the reason why the structure is often referred to as the ‘Pancha Rathas’ or ‘Five Chariots’.

2. According to Hindu legend, the structure was built by the Pandavas, the five legendary heroes of the Mahabharata, as an offering to the god Shiva.

3. It is believed that Pancha Rathas was carved out of a single boulder of granite in the 7th-century Pallava dynasty.

4. Since the structure has no mortar, it stands as a showcase of the glorious artistry and engineering expertise of the time.

5. The lower portion of the Temple has intricate carvings of elephants, horses and bulls.

6. It is said that the structure was built during the rule of Narasimhavarman I, a Pallava king.

7. There are architectural styles from Dravidian, Tamil-Brahmi and Pallava periods around the site.

8. The Pancha Rathas are dedicated to different gods – Draupadi Ratha to Indra, Arjuna Ratha to Shiva, Bhima Ratha to Pandava brothers, Nakula-Sahadeva Ratha to Durga, and Yudhishthira Ratha to Agni.

9. It is believed that the Pancha Rathas are nine metres tall.

10. UNESCO has included the monument in its list of World Heritage sites in 1984.

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History & Information About Pancha Rathas

The Pancha Rathas, also known as the Five Chariots, is a group of five different monolithic structures near Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu, India. Believed to date back to the 7th century AD, they are considered to be one of the finest examples of monolithic architecture and sculpture from the Pallava period. They are carved from bold blocks of granite and are unusual in that each ratha (chariot) is carved in the shape of a different Hindu deity and said to represent the five Pandava brothers from the Mahabharata.

The structure consists of Draupadi Ratha, Bhima Ratha, Arjuna Ratha, Nakula-Sahadeva Ratha, and Dhrishtadyumna Ratha. The Draupadi Ratha is the largest one, which is dedicated to Draupadi, the Pandava’s wife, and is also known as the Arjuna’s Penance. The Bhima Ratha is the second largest and is dedicated to Bhima, one of the Pandava brothers. The Arjuna Ratha is dedicated to Arjuna and is the smallest of the five. The Nakula-Sahadeva Ratha is dedicated to two of the Pandava brothers — Nakula and Sahadeva. Finally, the Dhrishtadyumna Ratha is dedicated to the commander of the Pandava army, Dhrishtadyumna.

The five rathas are believed to have been carved by six sculptors. It is said that as each ratha was completed, it was dedicated to a particular deity. The five rathas, along with other sculptures and monuments in the area, have become a popular tourist destination in South India.

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Travel Guide For Visiting Pancha Rathas

Mahabalipuram, or Mamallapuram, is a popular tourist destination in Tamil Nadu, India. The town is home to the famous Pancha Rathas, a cluster of five monolithic stone chariots. These chariots are dedicated to Krishna and his brothers Balarama, Pradyumna, Samba, and Anirudha.

The Pancha Rathas can be found in the group of monuments at Mahabalipuram that were built by the Pallavas Kings more than 1,300 years ago. The sandstone structures are a testament to the Pallava dynasty’s architectural greatness.

The best way to experience the site is to take a guided tour of the monuments. A guide will be able to provide you with more information about the history of the structures and interesting anecdotes about their creators and their stories.

If you are visiting Mahabalipuram during the summer months, be sure to wear appropriate clothing as the heat there can be unbearable. The best time to visit the site is during the cooler months of winter or early spring.

Once you have explored the Pancha Rathas, you should take some time to explore the rest of Mahabalipuram’s attractions. There is no shortage of things to do in the area, from visiting beautiful temples to going on a shopping spree in the local market.

Mahabalipuram is an intriguing destination that has captured the imagination of travelers for centuries. Visiting the Pancha Rathas is one of the highlights of any trip to Mahabalipuram, and a must-do experience if you’re in the area.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Pancha Rathas

Q1. What is Pancha Rathas in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu?

A1. Pancha Rathas are a group of monolithic structures carved from a single rock boulder, and are located in the coastal town of Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu. The five rathas, or chariots, are dedicated to five Pandava brothers of the Hindu epic Mahabharata and their wife Draupadi.

Q2. When were the Pancha Rathas built?

A2. The Pancha Rathas were built during the Pallava Dynasty (7th to 9th centuries CE), an important era of Indian temple architecture.

Q3. How are the Pancha Rathas named?

A3. The Pancha Rathas are named after the five Pandava brothers; Dharmaraja ratha (Dharmaraja’s Chariot), Bhima ratha (Bhima’s Chariot), Arjuna ratha (Arjuna’s Chariot), Nakula Sahadeva ratha (Nakula and Sahadeva’s Chariot), and Draupadi ratha (Draupadi’s Chariot).

Q4. What is the significance of Pancha Rathas?

A4. The Pancha Rathas are important monolithic evidence of the Pallava Dynasty and their unique art form. They continue to be an important pilgrimage site and are protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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