Five Rathas

Also known as Pancha Rathas, these rock temples are a remarkable example of Dravidian style architecture. Constructed in the form of pagodas and resembling Buddhist shrines and monasteries, these rathas are associated with the great epic Mahabharata. The first ratha, hut-like situated close the entrance gate is Queen Draupadi's Ratha. It has door-keepers and a devotee offering his head to Goddess Durga. Next is Prince Arjuna's Ratha. This one has a small portico and carved pillar stones and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. There are carvings only in the exteriors of the temple, not on the interior walls. Right opposite Arjuna's Ratha is the Ratha of his twin brothers Nakula-Sahadeva. This ratha comprises attractive monolithic elephant in front and is dedicated to the Rain God and the King of Deities, Lord Indra. The Bhima Ratha is huge and well-deserves to be so – the warrior Prince Bhima had an exceptionally strong and huge body. The Ratha is two storeyed and its pillars have carvings of lion. The largest of the Five Rathas is that of King Dharamraja Yudhistira's Ratha. These Rathas were the brainchild and work of Narasima Varma Pallavan aka Mamallan, and were carved during the reign of his royal father King Mahendravarman I. A remarkable fact about these rock temples is that they have survived the onslaught of several natural catastrophes through many centuries.