Five Rathas is a rock-cut temple built in late 7th century by the Pallavas. These Five Rathas are named after the Pandavas and other characters of Mahabharata. Draupadi Ratha, Dharmaraja Ratha and others comprises the five rathas.
UNESCO has classified this architectural work as a World Heritage Site. Dharmaraja Ratha is the largest multi-storeyed temple and Draupadi Ratha is the smallest among all these cave temples. Based on the Buddhist viharas and chaityas, these temples are carved out from one piece of huge rock.
Draupadi Ratha is the first ratha located at the entrance and is shaped like hut. This ratha is dedicated to goddess Durga. The next ratha is Arjuna ratha, which is devoted to Lord Shiva. This ratha only has carved pillar stones and small portico. On the pillars of Bhima ratha temple, lion carvings are made.
On Nakula-Sahadeva ratha, huge elephant carvings are made, which are dedicated to Lord Indra, the god of rain. The tallest among all is Dharmaraja Yudhisthira ratha and is devoted to Lord Shiva.
Timings – Opening & Closing:
Monday – Friday: 7.00 AM – 7.00 PM ,
Saturday: 7.00 AM – 7.00 PM ,
Sunday: 7.00 AM – 7.00 PM ,
Public Holidays: 7.00 AM – 7.00 PM