Pancha Rathas at Mahabalipuram

This group of monuments is generally called as “Five Rathas” as they resemble the processional chariots of a temple. They were excavated during the reign of Pallava king Narashimavarman-I (630-668CE). Draupathi ratha is the smallest and enshrines an image of Durga. Arjuna ratha consists of a sanctum with pillared front mandapa on plan. It has two tiered vimana. Bhima ratha is rectangular on plan with country-wagon roof. Dharmaraja ratha has three storied square vimana with octagonal sikahara. Nakula Sahadeva ratha which stands in front of Arjuna ratha, is apsidal on plan.