Since these temples are still unfinished, no worship has been offered there. Pancha Rathas when translated mean "five chariots", and they are named individually after Draupadi and the Pandava brothers. It is different matter that there may not be relation between them and the epic Mahabharata.
The view in this photo is from the northwest. In the foreground is a carved lion. Behind the lion, from left to right in the photo, are the Draupadi, Arjuna, and Bhima Rathas. In front of Bhima Ratha is Elephant and Nakul-Sahadava Ratha. Dharmaraja Ratha is hidden in this photo behind the other structures.
Draupadi Shrine is the smallest and simplest and it is formed as a bangla hut. The Arjuna shrine is like a small palace or pavillion, with sculpted pilasters, and an octagonal dome. Bhima Shrine is the largest with its barrel vaulting and long columned porch. Seated lions are carved in front of the columns at the base. Nakul-Sahadeva Shrine is south-facing and is in apsidal shape.
Dharmaraja Shrine is a larger version of the Arjuna Shrine with pyramidal roof. The building is topped by an octagonal-shaped dome, the shikhara. Since there is a increase in the elevation below this shrine, it gives a clear look at the decorative elements of its roof, when compared with Arjuna's similar roof.The craftsmanship when viewed in person will be appreciated more.
Thanks for bringing back memories of one of my most favorite spots. Beautiful photographs
ReplyDeleteBeen to this monument several times and enjoyed it every time.. Very well covered Rajesh..
ReplyDelete"Carved whole" and "unfinished alongside "7th century" has me rethinking my ideas of time!
ReplyDeleteNice pictures of Mahabalipuram. I have gone so close to the place but have never been there!!
ReplyDeleteAmazing creativity and a great deal of hardwork is visible in these rathas.Awesome !
ReplyDeleteIt's always a pleasure to stroll around here!
ReplyDeleteA kiss of Nita.
Good morning!
Monolith monuments always amaze me. We can just admire the skill of these artists , turning a field of rocks into beautiful sculptures!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful images, they always come across so exotic to me.;))
ReplyDeletexoxo
Nice photos Rajesh! Well described the place.
ReplyDeleteYou always show us fascinating places! Thank you:)
ReplyDeleteSuch great monolithic that are timeless.
ReplyDeleteThe complex is huge! And it would be wonderful to see the craftsmanship up close.
ReplyDeleteAre the people in the photos your family? Your kids with the lion?
Great place to experience the history .
ReplyDeletebeen here too :)
ReplyDeleteso much info in the post
Beautiful images! Happy sky watching.
ReplyDeleteSkywatch
Wonderful shots!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed the photos.
ReplyDeleteYesterday I attended a major exhibition on India here in Rio de Janeiro. The exhibition shows various aspects of Indian culture such as religion, clothing, sculptures, music, theater, photography and works by contemporary artists.
Beautiful shrines and interesting information.
ReplyDeleteLove the people in these photos ws they give a sense of scale.
ReplyDeleteStunning architecture!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
ReplyDeleteAmazing monuments and temples!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful shrines and wonderful carvings. Your country is filled will amazing sights to see. great photos, happy skywatching!
ReplyDeleteseriously considering visiting india. hopefully i the budget is there :)
ReplyDeleteMarvelous, fascinating captures and such clear, cloudless skies! Wonderful post and photos as always, Rajesh! I love seeing the children playing and enjoying their visit! Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteSylvia
Great collection of photos, looks like an amazing place to visit
ReplyDeleteSimply beautiful!
ReplyDeleteSky Watch at my page.
Wow these temples are huge!
ReplyDeleteSWF
Even if it's unfinished it's a beautiful shrine, great shots.
ReplyDeleteI love best the one that is carved to look like a hut (a prayer hut?)... the carving seems so intricate. Interesting to see this unfinished work.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures of Mahabalipuram. I have been there several times and love to visit again and again to see the marvellous sculptures.
ReplyDeletenice information with beautiful photos
ReplyDeletethanks
Grand pictures. It seems like a bright and sunny day.
ReplyDeleteFond memories of Mahabalipuram
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful carvings!
ReplyDeleteMarvelous!
ReplyDeleteDelicious pictures, I love, with a magnificent view that highlights the beauty of this beautiful place.
ReplyDeletesure would love to visit!!
ReplyDeleteI am in awe of these works. To carve them from stone is quite an amazing feat. Thanks for sharing such interesting posts. Mickie :)
ReplyDeletenice stuff.. i remember going to Mahab 2 yrs back... we had a nice time cycling to these temples
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing work with this buildings and animals.
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
These are very interesting shrines with wonderful artistic details. Thanks for taking us there and giving us this information about them.
ReplyDeleteImpressive carvings. Beautiful photos. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThe dark interior of the Draupadi Shrine is both mysterious and enticing!
ReplyDeleteI HAVE A LITTLE SHADOW
I have a little shadow that always follows me;
My shadow is my best friend, as anyone can see.
No matter where my feet go, my shadow’s always there—
Except, of course, at midnight with darkness everywhere!
© 2011 by Magical Mystical Teacher
Sunflower Shadows
Simply beautifully captured shots...lovely reading!
ReplyDeletewow, thanks for sharing these ancient beauties. they make me feel really small in the path of time. happy SSS to you.
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful place-I especially like the carved lion-and the way people are having their photos taken in front of it-just like Trafalgar Square!
ReplyDeleteYou bog and post are so educational. I feel like I am back in school taking history. Great job as usual.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful and historic place to visit. I love the way the little children are dwarfed bv the size of the sculpture. I think India must have more ancient temples that any other country in the world. You have certainly opened my eyes to the beauty of your country. genie
ReplyDeleteThank you all for appreciating the wonderful craftsmanship.
ReplyDeleteLowell: With the lion the boy in dungree is my son. Yes, as there were people all over the place, I thought of using my own family in the photos.
amazing craftsmanship. you have nice place over there
ReplyDeleteNice shots!
ReplyDeleteYou very picturesquely described the details of the "pancharathas".Thank you very much.
ReplyDeleteFascinating place, the artwork and the entire setting is brilliant. I have never heard of this place, would surely love to visit it someday.
ReplyDeleteI have heard that whats there in Mahabalipuram are just those that are remnant and that the majority of the monoliths are now submerged under the sea.
ReplyDelete...wonderful shots, Rajesh:) Thanks!
ReplyDeleteworth reading :)
ReplyDeleteGreat shots, Rajesh!!! Love this place.. I have even campaigned here for anti-corruption with my friends:)
ReplyDeleteI have fond memories of Mahabalipuram (or Mahabs as we called it) near which I studied for one year. Your splendid photographs brought those memories back. Thanks :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for all appreciation. This is a nice place to visit.
ReplyDelete