Page 586 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - India

584  SOUTH INDIA

Mamallapuram: Panch Rathas

This 7th-century complex of monolithic
rock-cut shrines called the Panch (five) Rathas
(processional temple chariots) is named after
the five Pandava brothers, heroes of the epic
Mahabharata (see p30), and their queen Draupadi.
Although unfinished, these impressive temples
are a tribute to the genius of the stone-cutters
who carved these large boulders in situ. In an
ambitious experiment, the styles and techniques
of wooden architecture were imitated in stone,
to create a variety of forms that later came to
influence South Indian temple design. Arjuna Ratha, Draupadi Ratha and Nandi
Arjuna Ratha
This two-storeyed temple
has a graceful portrayal
of Shiva leaning on his
mount, the bull Nandi.
Royal couples and other
elegantly carved figures
in the niches embellish
the outer walls.

. Durga Panel
A four-armed Durga is carved
on the rear wall of the Draupadi
Ratha’s sanctum, with kneeling
devotees in front. One of these
is shown in the process of
cutting his head off, as a supreme
act of self-sacrifice.

KEY
1 Draupadi Ratha, a stone replica
of a thatched tribal shrine, is the
smallest ratha of the group, and is
dedicated to the goddess Durga.
2 Nandi, carved out of a single
rock, faces the Arjuna Ratha.
3 Dharmaraja Ratha, an imposing
three-storeyed ratha, is crowned
by an octagonal domed roof.
Sculpted panels are carved on
the upper storeys.
4 Bhima Ratha, a gigantic,
rectangular ratha with a barrel-
vaulted roof and unfinished lower . Standing Lion
level, is named after the Pandava The mount of Durga
brother famed for his strength. is placed in front of
the Draupadi Ratha.
For hotels and restaurants in this region see pp702–703 and pp717–18

584-585_EW_India.indd 584 26/04/17 11:49 am
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Starsight template “UK” LAYER
(Source v2.7)
Date 24th April 2013
Size 125mm x 217mm