Mahabalipuram • Chengalpattu • Tamil Nadu
Cultural Heritage SiteThe Pancha Rathas, also known as the Five Rathas, are among the most remarkable monuments of ancient South Indian architecture. Located in Mahabalipuram, these monolithic rock-cut temples were built during the 7th century under the rule of the Pallava king Narasimhavarman I. Each ratha is carved from a single granite rock and is named after the Pandavas and Draupadi from the Indian epic Mahabharata. Although these structures were never completed or used as temples, they represent an experimental stage in Dravidian temple architecture and later inspired many South Indian temple designs.
The Pancha Rathas are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram.”
Each ratha (chariot) is carved from a single granite rock and is structurally unique, representing different temple styles:
1-Draupadi Ratha – small, simple structure
2-Arjuna Ratha – rectangular and plain
3-Bhima Ratha – larger, barrel-shaped roof
4-Dharmaraja Ratha – the tallest, with pyramidal roof
5-Nakula Sahadeva Ratha – smallest with simple carvings
The monuments demonstrate Pallava artisans’ architectural innovation and are roofed in imitation of wooden structures.
Made entirely of granite, the temples were never completed, but the carvings are intricate and impressive, showing mythological and floral motifs.
What is the best time to visit?
What is the entry fee?
₹ ₹40, Foreign Tourists: ₹600