Mahabalipuram, A Monolithic Miracle.
Situated on the coromandel coast of Tamilnadu facing the Bay of Bengal, the Mahabalipuram or Malappuram was an important capital during the Narsimha Varman reign. With lots of monuments, the Five rathas or Panch rathas stands out. The Five Rathas carved out of single rock is a classic example of the Monolithic Rock cut structural art in India.
These temples were built by three generations of the Pallava Kings and it took 200 years to plan and create the site in Mahabalipuram.
This Five Rathas are rightly known as the Dharmaraj Ratha, Bheema Ratha, Arjuna Ratha, Nakula Sahadeva Ratha and the Draupadi Ratha. Carved in a classic south Indian style of architecture.
According to a local myth, the beauty of Mahabalipuram aroused the jealousy of Indra, the god of rain and storms. As a result, the deity is said to have submerged the entire city, including six of the seven temples, under the sea during a great storm. Only the Shore Temple was left above the water as evidence that this beautiful city had once existed.
The Panch Rathas
Dharmaraja Ratha – The Dharmaraja Ratha is the largest of all Rathas. Precisely carved is the 3 storey vimana adorning the top of the Ratha with beautiful sculptures. The Dharmaraja Ratha is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Bheemraja Ratha – The Bheemraja Ratha is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is an oblong two-storied shrine with a barrel-vaulted roof decorated with shalas and chandrashalas. This Ratha has a spacious open courtyard with lion mounted pillars, it has a one storey vimana adorning the top.
Arjuna Ratha – The Arjuna Ratha is dedicated to Lord Shiva, The idol of Shiva in this Ratha is carved with his legs crossed and leaning on a huge Nandi bull, his vehicle, which stands behind. The Arjuna Ratha is a two storied structure facing west and square in shape. This Ratha has a one storey vimana, carved sculptures of the dvarpalas on each corner of the sculpture. The Ratha also has an intricated carvings of different deities.
Nakula Sahadev Ratha – The Nakula Sahadeva Ratha is an unfinished monolithic shrine located a little distance away from the other structures. The Ratha is named after the youngest Pandava siblings, the twins Nakula and Sahadeva from the epic of Mahabharata. It has a two-tiered roof decorated with kutas, shalas and chandrasalas, and the entire sculpture is beautifully carved. This Ratha is dedicated to Lord Indra.
Draupadi Ratha – The Draupadi Ratha is the smallest of all the Rathas in the complex. The sculpture of this Ratha is carved in a traditional form of South Indian hut. This chariot has carvings of Goddess Durga sitting on a lotus while a lion stands outside of it guarding the goddess. This chariot is named after the common spouse of the Pandavas, Draupadi of Mahabharata. This sculpture is dedicated to Goddess Durga.
There is another curious structure known as Sri Krishna’s Butter Ball that fascinates everyone in Mahabalipuram. Also, the shore temple a rock cut and a free-standing structural temple. Every year, it hosts classical dance and drama festivals to preserve and promote the heritage of a very ancient culture. Mahabalipuram is indeed, a must visit!!
Rishikesh Jadhav, Intern at FLY Away Holidayzz.
Travel exposes us to different cultures and ancient traditions and through these authentic encounters, we learn to embrace and celebrate both our similarities and our differences
Rightly said ma’am, looking forward to a trip with you, we are just a call away!!
Amazing place Must visit once in a lifetime. Exploring our culture is true tourism.
looking forward to a trip with you, we are just a call away.
So beautifully expressed!!
thank you 🙂
Cant wait to explore the destination :))
looking forward to a trip with you, we are just a call away!!
Can’t wait to visit!!
looking forward to a trip with you, we are just a call away.
Very nicely explained,
This post gives the insight of how rich our culture is , and one should explore our own history and culture. Will visit this place soon
we are grateful that you appreciated our blog. looking forward to a trip with you, we are just a call away!
This monolithic sculpture was precisely carved out of a single stone. It really shows the glory of our culture.
A place everyone should visit, it takes us back in the time.
Great work!
Indeed, Thank you for your precious words. We would love to show you around this majestic sculpture.
Well explained very beautiful place will visit this place soon
we are grateful that you appreciated our blog.looking forward to a trip with you, we are just a call away.
Place of ancient beauty ,amazingly explained 👌 😍😍
we are grateful that you appreciated our blog, looking forward to a trip with you, we are just a call away!!
Amazing, So beautiful
thank you.
If you are looking for a place to experience ancient Beauty this is the right place for you
indeed, we really appreciate your kind words.