Yudhishthra's Chariot - Historical landmark in Mahabalipuram - Chengalpattu, India

The Dharmaraja ratha at Mahabalipuram is one of the five ratha temples, known as the Five Rathas or the Pandava Rathas.Although the symbolism and grouping of the temples have led to the popular names of Pandavas of Mahabharatha , they are neither true rathas nor dedicated to the Pandavas; they are temples dedicated to deities and concepts of the Shaivi, (Shiva), Vaishnavi (Vishnu) and Shakti (Durga) traditions of Hinduism. These rathas are dated to the 7th century.The Dharmaraja ratha one among the five rathas has a square floor plan within a rectangular frame . It has an open porch supported by pillars. The temple's pyramidal tower consists of a vimana of shrinking squares, capped by an octagonal shikhara. Its pillars have seated lions at the base. It has three levels; the lowest is solid , and the upper two have shrines. The two upper levels are connected by stairs carved into the stone. The middle level has two shrines, and the uppermost one has one. The ratha walls have carvings and inscriptions, one mentioning Narasimhavarman I. The western side of the top storey has a Somaskanda image. The entablature integrates the secular with the divine, where human faces peek out of the kudu arches of the chariot. An Amaravati motif is carved below the cornice. At ground level, the sides have four pillars; the other two have two pillars and two pilasters. Each corner has two niches, with carved figures apparently waving to the crowd. The deities are Ardhanarishvara (half Parvati, half Shiva), Harihara (half Vishnu, half Shiva), Brahma, Skanda, Bhairava (Shiva) and two other obscure forms of Shiva.] The upper-mid level has carvings of aspects of Shiva and Vishnu, suggesting that the artists revered both Hindu traditions. Included on this level are Nataraja (dancing Shiva), Vinadhara (Shiva with Veena), Gangadhara (Shiva bringing the Ganges from heaven to earth), Vrishbhantika (Shiva with Nandi), Kankalamurti, Chandesa and Vishnu. The uppermost level has carvings of Dakshinamurti (Shiva as guru or teacher), Surya and Chandra. The Somaskanda panel is significant because it dates the temple to the early 7th century. It differs from those created in the Rajasimha period, and resembles those created during the early Pallava era.

Pancha Rathas (also known as Five Rathas or Pandava Rathas) is a monument complex at Mahabalipuram, on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal, in the Kancheepuram district of the state of Tamil Nadu, India. Pancha Rathas is an example of monolithic Indian rock-cut architecture. The complex was carved during the reign of King Narasimhavarman I (630-668 AD): the idea of realising monolithic buildings, an innovation in Indian architecture, is attributed to this ruler. The monoliths are named after the Pandavas - Arjuna, Bhima, Yudhishthira ("Dharmaraja"), Nakula and Sahadeva - and Draupadi. These names are considered to be a misrepresentation as the structures have no link to the iconic characters of the Mahabharata epic. They have no religious significance either, as they remained unfinished and unconsecrated; the uncut rock parts at the base and top of the rathas are still visible. The ASI confirmed the unfinished nature of the structures and suggested that they instead be referred to as vimanas. However, the Pandava names have become permanent.

Beautiful it is, It shows art and culture of India.. well maintained by the government. Visited the place in 2018.. Dharmaraja Ratha is a monument in the Pancha Rathas complex at Mahabalipuram, on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal, in the Kancheepuram district of the state of Tamil Nadu, India. It is an example of monolith Indian rock-cut architecture. Dating from the late 7th century, it is attributed to the reign of King Mahendravarman I and his son Narasimhavarman I (630-680 AD; also called Mamalla, or "great warrior") of the Pallava Kingdom. The entire complex is under the auspices of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). It is one of the Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram that were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984. Resembling a chariot (ratha), it is carved out of a single, long stone of pink granite. Though sometimes mistakenly referred to as a temple, the structure was not consecrated because it was not completed[6] following the death of Narasimhavarman I. The structure is named after the eldest of the Pancha Pandavas, of epic Mahabharata fame, though this nomenclature is not supported by its iconography. It is dedicated to Shiva. Recommended.. 5 Star Jai Hind Jai Bharat

Shaped like a characteristic vimana (tower above the shrine) of Southern India of its times, Dharmaraja Ratha it the most magnificent and tallest of the Five rathas, with three storeys, though most of it remains incomplete. The shrine is devoted to Shiva and is adorned with one of the best examples of early Pallava art.

These rock structures are carved out of single rock. This was the most amazing reason we paid a visit. The structures are intact since 8th century and thanks to Archaeological Survey of India to take good care of the monument. Tickets are bough online. Same ticket is valid to visit all Mahabalipuram monuments in a single day (Rs 35 each adult). Same parking ticket is valid to park anywhere in Mahabalipuram that same day (Rs 75 each car). There is a nice souvenir/ shopping area right opposite to the monument site. Buy hand baggage's, hats, mini sculptures and other things at reasonable prices. 99 percent of visitors in Mahabalipuram do not know the history behind the monuments. ASI can run a light and sound show to spread knowledge around the great Pallavas. Or they can even distribute or sell handbooks.

Visited on 29th Jul 2019 #. One out of the Pancha Rathas (Ref: review, Pancha Rathas) #. This Ratha is dedicated to YUDHISHTIR, the eldest of the 5 Pandava brothers. #. The photos can give more ideas & details in Pancha Rathas Wiki. There are, among few other stone blocks, 8 notable Rathas (Chariots) and Statues. The "Pandava Brothers" were five {Yudhishtir, Bhim, Arjun and Nakul & Shadev} and a common wife (Draupati). 1. When you enter (almost a rectangular) compound, at the entrance, you will see the "TIGER Statue", the 'Vahana' (vehicle) of Durga!. Here, Draupati is also described as Godess Durga. 2. Left of Tiger Statue, is the "DRAUPATI Ratha". 3. Then you can see a huge Elephant (Life size), without tusks. 4. (As you enter) Left of the Elephant Statue is "ARJUN Ratha", which is relatively smaller. 5. And, the Right of the Elephant is "NAKUL & SAHDEV" Ratha. 6. Left of Arjun Ratha is a Bull (Nandi, the Vahana Lord Shiva). 7. Behind Arjun Ratha is "BHIM Ratha" which is larger in area 8. The last is the "YUDHISHTIR Ratha" [also known as Dharmaraja Ratha], which is highest. The attached Site plan will give an idea of the palcements. Pl refer Wiki for details of Pancha Rathas, Mahabalipuram. Thanks for reading the review & clicking a "LIKE" button.

Just amazing rock carved architectural marvel. And one of the rathas among Pancha Rathas monument group.

Beautifully carved rocks in different form & Centuries old but still in best shape.