Pancha Ratha at Mahabalipuram

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https://drvenu.co.in/2023/08/29/pancha-ratha/(opens in a new tab) 


















Incredible India -
I had visited Mahabalipuram twice before, in 2005 and 2009. This is my third visit, along with a few of my batchmates. This time, one noticeable difference was that all the essential tourist destinations had been maintained cleanly and neatly. Here is one such destination
Pancha Ratha,
located in Mahabalipuram (also known as Mamallapuram), Tamil Nadu, India, is a remarkable example of monolithic Indian rock-cut architecture. Here's a brief overview:
1. **Name Origin**: "Pancha" means five, and "Ratha" means chariots in Sanskrit. So, "Pancha Ratha" translates to "Five Chariots". These structures are named after the five Pandava brothers and Draupadi from the Indian epic, the Mahabharata.
2. **Architecture & Significance**: These are not temples but architectural prototypes or models. Each of the five structures is carved from a single, long stone or monolith. These structures are unfinished but provide significant insight into the architectural practices of the time.
3. **Individual Rathas**:
- **Dharmaraja Ratha is the largest of the five and is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- **Bhima Ratha**: Rectangular in shape and dedicated to Lord Ananta.
- **Arjuna Ratha**: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it resembles the Dharmaraja Ratha but is smaller.
- **Nakula Sahadeva Ratha**: This is a simple structure dedicated to the gods Indra and Apsaras, with an elephant sculpture nearby.
- **Draupadi Ratha**: The smallest of the rathas, it resembles a village hut dedicated to the goddess Durga.
4. UNESCO World Heritage Site:
Pancha Ratha, along with other monuments in Mahabalipuram, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, under the group "Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram".
5. Tourist Attraction:
Today, the Pancha Ratha serves as a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world to appreciate its intricate designs and the history it represents.

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