Pancha Pandava Cave

Pancha Pandava Cave is a fascinating rock-cut monument in Mahabalipuram that beautifully showcases the ancient Pallava architecture. The carvings inside the cave are impressive, and the sheer size of the structure makes you imagine the skill and effort it took to create it. The place is calm and less crowded compared to the Shore Temple, which makes it a great spot to explore and take in the history peacefully. A must-visit if you’re interested in heritage and architecture.

Pancha Pandava Mandapam, located very close to Arjuna’s Penance, is an architectural gem that pays homage to the Pallava dynasty’s artistic prowess. Constructed between the 7th and 8th centuries in Mamallapuram's cave temple area, the Pancha Pandava Mandapam is a monolith, meaning it is carved out of just one rock. It is a rectangular structure supported by majestic pillars adorned with magnificent lion sculptures and remember, it is all made of just one rock! Its walls, verandahs and rock-cut chambers are replete with intricate carvings, leaving anyone who sees them spellbound.

Mamallapuram - Pancha Pandava Mandapam Had this been completed, it would have been the largest rock-cut shrine in Mamallapuram. But, unfortunately, like many other monuments of the town, it also remains an unfinished Pallava marvel. Standing right next to the Great Penance Relief Panel, this monument is called Pancha Pandava Mandapam. However, it has nothing to do with the Pandava brothers of the Mahabharata epic. The outer view of the cave shrine gives us an impression as if the monument is finished. However, once we enter inside, we would realize it is mainly left incomplete. The facade of the cave shrine is supported by six pillars and two pilasters. Five of the six pillars have Vyala base. (Vyala here refers to the lion with horns on its forehead.) One pillar does not have Vyala base. It was damaged and was probably restored during the British period. If we observe intensely, we can realize that not all the Vyalas look similar. Some of them are complete, and the rest of them are unfinished. The pilasters, too, have Vyala bases. The portion of the shaft above the Vyala is octagonal in each pillar. Over the abacus of these pillars, three miniature Vyalas are found. One Vyala faces the front side, and the remaining two Vyalas face sides. The Vyalas on the sides have riders. It is said to be a rare feature, which could not be found in any other Pallava period cave shrine except for Mahisasuramardini Mandapa. The top of the facade has rows of kutas and shalas. (For the benefit of beginners: kuta is a miniature shrine with a domical roof; shala is a miniature shrine with a barrel-vault roof). The tiny images of deities inside these small shrines and vyalas on the sides look attractive. There are four pillars and two pilasters in the next row. They are simple cylindrical shafts and do not have Vyala bases. The sanctum is found in the center. The shrine has no sculpture. The area behind the sanctum was not excavated. Otherwise, it would serve as the prakara (circumambulatory/the path to go around the shrine) around the sanctum. There is no inscription found. There are differences of opinion among the scholars in identifying the builder. I believe that this monument was made by Rajasimha Pallava in the 8th century CE.

Pancha Raddha consists of Five Raddha/Chariots dedicated to Each Pandava brother and their wife Draupadi from Mahabharat. Draupadi Raddha will differ in look compared to the other four. Arjuna Raadha will be located near to Draupadi Raddha, Followed by Bhima raadha which is larger amoung all Five. Dharma Raddha will be taller in height and Nagula and Sahadev Raddha will be located right to other four. Car and bike parking will be available outside and tickets will be verified at the entrance.

The Pancha Pandava Mandaps is a group of five monolithic rock-cut temples located in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu. Each temple is dedicated to one of the five Pandava brothers from the Hindu epic, Mahabharata. The temples are named after Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva. The architecture of these temples is remarkable and fascinating. The temples were carved out of a single block of granite and are adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures. The temples feature impressive stone columns, beautifully carved bas-reliefs, and intricate stone carvings depicting stories from the Mahabharata. The intricate details and exquisite craftsmanship are a testament to the architectural skills of the Pallava dynasty. Visitors to Pancha Pandava Mandaps are often amazed by the grandeur and beauty of the monument. The temples are surrounded by lush greenery, and the peaceful ambiance adds to the charm of the place. Many visitors appreciate the historical significance of the temples and the artistry of the Pallava dynasty. Overall, the Pancha Pandava Mandaps is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in architecture, history, and culture. The place is not just a tourist spot but also a significant religious site for the Hindus. It is a place that offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of India and is worth visiting.

Pancha Rathaus - the historical place need to be visited at least once in life time. Rock carvings are great. One can see the effort taken to make such brilliant work. With our a miss one should take photo with elephant

This is the largest cave temple in Mahabalipuram and one of the finest examples of Pallava rock-cut architecture carved in the late 7th century under King Narasimhavarman I. The front facade has a row of six pillars standing on seated lion bases, with two pilasters at either end. Each pillar is topped with carvings that combine lion and griffin motifs, showcasing skilled craftsmanship and early temple design. As you walk inside, you enter a long rectangular cavern—about 50 feet in length—with a second row of pillars that divide it into sections. At the back is a small octagonal chamber that hints at an unfinished plan for a full circumambulatory passage, a design feature seen in later temples. The carving work is elegant and well proportioned, reflecting a step forward in architectural ambition compared to earlier structures. The cave is named after the five Pandava brothers from the Mahabharata, though that story connection came later. The temple itself was never completed or consecrated; work likely stopped when King Narasimhavarman I died around 668 AD. The setting is serene with greenery and rocks around the entrance. There are no large crowds here, so it’s a pleasant place to pause and admire the artistry. About forty-five minutes is enough to explore the cave, study its design, and imagine the vision that drove its creation. This cave stands as a bridge between temple prototypes and larger structural rock temples that came after. It offers a rare glimpse into the creative mind of early artisans who shaped South Indian architectural tradition.

Good to distinguish between this which is Panchapandava cave temple and the pancha Pandava Rathas which is in a different complex at the Group of monuments. This is a single rock cut structure and adjoins the descent of Ganges rock relief. While the pancha Rathas are five separate rock cut monuments in the same complex.