Pancharatha, Mamallapuram, Tamilnadu, is located 1.5 km south-west of Shore Temple.
It’s an extraordinary complex of five monolithic temples, each carved from a single, massive granite boulder during the 7th century CE during the times of Pallava King Narasimhavarman I (Mamalla).
These structures are named after the Pandavas and Draupadi from the Mahabharata, though they were actually intended as experimental architectural models rather than functional places of Pooja.
The complex showcases diverse styles from the hut-like Draupadi Ratha to the tiered, pyramidal Yudhishtira Ratha.
The artistically exquisite site also contains life-sized Elephant, Nandi, and a Lion. It’s amazing to see how ancient artisans transformed solid rock into vibrant structures!
Mamallapuram is now known as Mahabalipuram.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/F3QEWGRPoFNwLGhB7
#drive #nature #heritage
