Why to visit Pancha Rathas
The Panch Rathas (five chariots), five magnificent rock sculptures that are modeled on the heroes of the Hindu epic Mahabharata, are currently included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites under the Mamallapuram Complex. The rock sculptures are a beautiful example of Dravidian architecture and are located near Mamallapuram's southernmost point.
The rock sculptures are a beautiful example of Dravidian architecture and are located near Mamallapuram's southernmost point. Since they were never dedicated, they were not used for worship; rather, they were constructed as models for South Indian temples. The Pandava brothers—Yudishthir, Bheema, Arjun, Nakul, and Sahdeva—and their wife Draupadi—the Panchaali—own the five ratha temples (five-husbanded).
The pagoda-shaped temples closely resemble Buddhist shrines in appearance. A statue of an elephant, a lion, and a Nandi bull, representing the chariots of Lord Indra, Goddess Durga, and Lord Shiva, respectively, are placed alongside the chariots of the Pandavas and Draupadi.
The following are some intriguing details regarding Pancha Rathas:
• On the walls of the Yuddhishta ratha, the highest of them all, are statues of Ardhnarishwarar, a manifestation of Lord Shiva in which he is half male and half female.
• The ratha of Draupati, which is devoted to Lord Durga, is the shortest in stature. Right in front of it is a statue of a lion.
• The Bhima ratha, which has a rectangular floor plan, is the longest of all the rathas.
• While the majority of the rathas face west, the Nakula-Sahadeva rathas face south.
