These are monoliths, i.e., free-standing temples cut out of the solid rock of a hillock. These are popularly known as Rathas, the chariots or temple carts but without wheels. They only housed the images of deities and no worship was done during those days. These were carved out during the reign of Narasimhavarman I in the 7th century AD and are regarded as the earliest monuments of their kind in India. These monoliths can be placed subsequent to the cave temples. They are known as Pancha Pandava Rathas, after the Pandava brothers and their common queen. However, their names are without any historical basis whatsoever. These temples progressively become smaller from south to north.
i) Draupadi Ratha: Is a temple dedicated to Goddess Durga. It is in the shape of a south Indian hut and has a curvilinear roof. There are makara torana decorations all around outside, with images of Durga. In the cell inside, there is the 4 armed standing Durga, adored by two male devotees kneeling at her feet and four dwarf ganas flying overhead. There are 2 dvarapalikas on either side of the entrance. In front is the majestic lion vehicle of Durga.
ii) Arjuna Ratha: Is dedicated to Lord Shiva; the blocks at the top are octagonal in shape and its roof pyramidal consisting of a series of diminishing storeys each having a row of pavilions anticipating the later day Vimana; is almost a replica of the Dharmaraja ratha.
iii) Bhima Ratha: Is dedicated to Vishnu in repose; replicates a Buddhist chaitya; is devoid of any figure carvings. Its roof is shaped like the hood of a country-wagon.
iv) Nakula-Sahadeva Ratha: Is dedicated to Indra, the rain god; is apsidal in shape with ornamental features and is devoid of figure carvings. An elephant statue has been placed next to it. The temple has an arched roof like the back of an elephant. This type of Vimana is known by the name Gajaprashta.
v) Dharmaraja Ratha: Is dedicated to Hari-Hara (Vishnu-Shiva) and Ardhanareeswara (Siva-Parvati combine). The blocks at the top are octagonal in shape and its roof pyramidal consisting of a series of diminishing storeys each having a row of pavilions anticipating the later day Vimana.
An interesting feature to note about these Rathas is that the crown or stupi (pot-finial) that has to remain on top of the temple tower has instead been placed on the ground. The Rathas were executed as prototypes of South Indian temples and were not consecrated as places of worship then. That is the reason these crowns, though carved completely, were neither separated from the bedrocks nor were fixed on the towers. A temple which is to be used as a place of worship is supposed to attain completeness and divinity, only after the positioning of such crowns or stupis on the towers.
Learn about the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the premier institution in India for archaeological research engaged in research and conservation, and protection and preservation of ancient monuments and archaeological sites in the country.
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