Five Rathas (Pancha Rathas) Tourism

The Pancha Rathas, also known as Five Rathas, are a quintessential example of monolithic Indian rock-cut architecture located in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, India. These structures date back to the 7th century and are attributed to the reign of the Pallava king Narasimhavarman I (Mamalla). Each of the five Rathas is carved from a single large piece of stone and represent the diversity of Dravidian architecture. They are named after the Pandavas - the heroes of the Indian epic, the Mahabharata, and their common wife, Draupadi. The Rathas are not temples but models of chariots that never got consecrated and hence never worshipped. They stand as a testament to the ingenuity and skill of ancient Indian craftsmen. The site showcases the transition from rock-cut architecture to free-standing structural temples. These monolithic marvels are part of the Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984, underscoring their significance and well-preserved state through the ages.