India: Mahabalipuram – Pancha Rathas aka Five Chariots

And one more site in Mahabalipuram – Pancha Rathas aka Five Chariots. There are five monolithic rock-cut temples, each carved from a single granite boulder, dating to the late 7th century. Dharmaraja Ratha is the largest, with a three-story levels, a square base, intricate carvings of gods and inscriptions, and the upper levels have miniature shrines. Bhima Ratha has a barrel-vaulted roof with a rectangular plan and unfinished interior. Arjuna Ratha: is a compact, square-based shrine with a simpler two-story structure and its exterior has detailed carvings of deities and humans, including a famous lion pillar. Nakula-Sahadeva Ratha and Draupadi Ratha are the smallest. All the rathas are adorned with carvings of gods, mythical figures, and animals. A truly stunning site and experience!