Five Rathas (Pancha Rathas)

The Five Rathas in Mahabalipuram is one of the most fascinating monuments I have visited and truly deserves its UNESCO World Heritage status. These structures are a group of monolithic rock-cut temples dating back to the Pallava dynasty in the 7th century. What makes them unique is that each ratha (chariot-shaped temple) is carved from a single piece of granite, yet all five display different architectural styles. The Pancha Rathas – Dharmaraja Ratha, Bhima Ratha, Arjuna Ratha, Nakula-Sahadeva Ratha, and Draupadi Ratha – are dedicated to the Pandavas and Draupadi from the Mahabharata. Walking around the site, you can admire the fine detailing on the pillars, walls, and sculptures, especially the beautifully carved animals like the lion and elephant. The elephant statue beside the Nakula-Sahadeva Ratha is a major attraction for visitors. The site is well-maintained, and there is plenty of space to walk around and click pictures. It can get crowded during peak hours, so mornings or evenings are the best time to visit. Entry is through a ticket, and combining it with nearby attractions like Shore Temple and Arjuna’s Penance makes the trip even more enriching. Overall, a must-visit place for history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and anyone exploring Mahabalipuram.

The Pancha Rathas (Five Rathas) in Mahabalipuram are among the most iconic monuments of the Pallava dynasty. Carved out of single granite rocks in the 7th century, these structures resemble chariots (rathas), though they were never used for worship, as they were left unfinished. Each ratha is named after a hero from the Mahabharata—Dharmaraja, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva—though historically they are not directly connected to the epic. The Dharmaraja Ratha is the largest, a three-storey structure with elegant carvings. The Bhima Ratha stands out with its long rectangular form and barrel-shaped roof. The Arjuna Ratha is smaller but beautifully detailed with sculptures of gods and goddesses. The Nakula-Sahadeva Ratha is twin-structured and is often noted for its simplicity, accompanied by a majestic stone elephant nearby. Together, they showcase the architectural experimentation of the Pallavas, bridging rock-cut caves and later structural temples. The site is part of the UNESCO World Heritage monuments of Mahabalipuram. Visiting the Pancha Rathas offers not just a glimpse of artistic mastery, but also a profound sense of how ancient India blended mythology, devotion, and craftsmanship.

The Pancha Rathas are an awesome sight! It's super cool to see how they carved these five huge temples out of a single piece of rock. They're all different and named after the characters from the Mahabharata. It's a great place for photos and to just walk around and admire the ancient art. Definitely worth a visit if you're in Mahabalipuram. They don't allow camera shooting but you can shoot phots and videos with any mobile.

It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in heritage, sculpture, or Indian culture. Just be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring water — there’s a lot to explore! Each monument, carved from a single granite rock, showcases the incredible craftsmanship of the Pallava dynasty. The detailing on the stone — from the intricate pillars to the life-like animal sculptures

Ticket & Entry Information Right opposite the Pancha Rathas complex, there is a ticket counter where you need to buy an entry ticket. The ticket costs ₹40 per person (for Indians). What’s convenient is that this single ticket is valid for all the major monuments in Mahabalipuram, including: • Shore Temple • Mahishasura Mardini Cave • Arjuna’s Penance • Krishna’s Butter Ball • and other heritage sites in the complex. At each monument, the security guard stamps your ticket, so make sure you keep it safely until the end of your sightseeing. The Pancha Rathas, also known as the “Five Rathas” or “Pandava Rathas,” are one of the most stunning monuments of Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu. These magnificent rock-cut temples date back to the 7th century Pallava dynasty, during the reign of King Narasimhavarman I (Mamalla). Carved out of a single granite rock, each ratha is monolithic and showcases the exceptional skill and artistry of Pallava architecture. The five shrines are named after the Pandavas and Draupadi from the Mahabharata, though historically, they were never dedicated for worship. Instead, they served as models for temple construction. Each ratha has its own unique style: • Dharmaraja Ratha – the tallest, built in a three-tier Dravidian style. • Bhima Ratha – resembles a large hall with an elongated roof. • Arjuna Ratha – smaller in size with fine carvings. • Nakula-Sahadeva Ratha – dedicated to twin brothers, accompanied by a magnificent stone elephant sculpture. • Draupadi Ratha – the smallest, resembling a thatched hut and dedicated to Goddess Durga. Together, these structures form a beautiful open-air museum of South Indian temple architecture. The stone carvings of animals like the lion, bull, and elephant add to the charm. Overall Experience Visiting Pancha Rathas is like stepping back into the Pallava era. The entire complex is clean, well maintained, and surrounded by open grounds where you can take your time admiring the details of the carvings. The massive stone elephant is a favorite photo spot for visitors. Early morning or late afternoon is the best time to visit, as the lighting enhances the beauty of the stone sculptures and the weather is more pleasant. If you’re exploring Mahabalipuram, starting with Pancha Rathas is highly recommended. From here, you can continue your heritage walk and cover all the other monuments with the same ticket. It’s a truly fascinating glimpse into history, architecture, and mythology—all carved in stone.

Wonderful place to visit! But the only drawback is that entry is allowed only until 6 PM. Being a heritage site, it would be even better if visitors were allowed to enjoy it a little longer in the evening.

The Pancha Rathas, also known as Five Rathas, are a group of five monolithic rock-cut temples located in Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Tamil Nadu, India. Monolithic Temples: Each ratha is carved out of a single large piece of granite rock, resembling chariots (rathas). Architectural Style: They represent early examples of Dravidian architecture and are notable for their unique monolithic construction. Dedication: The five rathas are named after the Pandavas (Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva) and their common wife Draupadi from the Mahabharata epic, although they are not dedicated to these figures. Features: The structures include various architectural elements like mandapas (pillared halls), vimanas (towers), and intricate sculptures depicting deities and mythological figures. Historical Significance: Built during the reign of the Pallava dynasty in the 7th century, they offer valuable insights into the architectural advancements of the period.

Five Rathas Monument, Mahabalipuram I recently visited the Five Rathas monument in Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The entrance fee for Indian nationals was ₹40, while foreign visitors were charged ₹600. The monument is an exemplary showcase of ancient Indian architecture and sculpture. The five rathas, named after the Pandavas from the Mahabharata - Bheem, Sahadev, Nakul, Draupadi, and Arjun - are magnificent structures that demonstrate the skill and craftsmanship of the Pallava dynasty. The intricate carvings, sculptures, and architecture of the rathas are breathtaking. The monument is a testament to India's rich cultural heritage and history. I highly recommend visiting the Five Rathas monument to experience its grandeur and historical significance. Rating: 5/5 stars Recommended for: History enthusiasts, architecture buffs, and cultural aficionados."