Pancha Rathas, on the other hand, are one of the few examples of whole houses with beautiful exteriors and interiors carved from the living rock. The incredibly skilled Indian stonecutters here used a ridge of pink granite and created five structures – rathas – and three large monolithic sculptures among these structures by removing the “spare” cliff.
Draupadi Ratha: The smallest of the Panch Rathas is the Draupadi Ratha. This temple has a square roof and is designed like a thatched cottage. It is dedicated to the goddess Durga and features magnificent artwork. The exquisitely carved panel depicting Durga on a lotus pedestal is stunning. A sea monster is carved above the entrance door on the outside. Devi Durga standing on the head of the demon Mahishasura is the most amazing sculpture.
Arjuna Ratha: This little construction resembles a modest wooden shrine that was previously common in Southern India. It has two stories, a modest portico, with carved pillars, and it faces east. There are no sculptures within this temple, but the surrounding walls represent several different gods, including the Vedic Indra. Beautiful sculptures depicting gods and mortals cover the facade. A pair of lovely apsaras with lissom bodies stand out.
Nakula Sahadeva Ratha: The elephants are affiliated with this sanctuary, which is dedicated to Indra. This ratha is the only one that isn’t in a “procession,” instead of standing alone. This shrine’s ceiling is likewise designed like an elephant’s back. The relief sculpture of Ardhanariswara covers the walls while sitting lions adorn the columns and pillars. The life-size sculpture is recognized as one of India’s most beautifully sculpted elephants.
Bhima Ratha: The largest of the Five Rathas, with a length of 12.8 meters, a width of 7.3 meters, and a height of 7.6 meters, is built in the Gopura style with a gabled roof. It is claimed to be dedicated to Anantshayi Vishnu since it contains a massive bas-relief of Vishnu in the guise of Satyamurthy. The structure is still incomplete, but it is intriguing. The sanctuary is surrounded by a circumambulatory route. The shrine’s pillars are decorated with lion figurines.
Dharmaraja Ratha (Yudhisthir’s Ratha): Dharmaraja Ratha is the most majestic and tallest of the Five rathas, with three stories, but much of it remains unfinished. It is shaped like a typical vimana (tower above the temple) of Southern India at the period. The Shiva shrine is one of the outstanding specimens of early Pallava art and is dedicated to Shiva. The Shiva images on the structure’s corners are particularly lovely. The titles of
I am engraved in Pallava Grantha script on the Dharmaraja Ratha. According to the inscription, this was built as a Shiva temple by Atyantakama Pallava. The sculpture of Lord Shiva as Ardhanarishvara, who is half man, half woman, is very interesting.
