#Mahabalipuram POIs & Accessibility - 39 - Arjuna Chariot (Ratha) - Zone - 4 - TravellerG

Caption: The Cover Photo of Zone - 4 & PoI -39.

Dear friends,

This post is a member of the Mega - Series of 51 posts, about Mahabalipuram, created as a Total “Photo-Walk and Traveller Guide” covering all the “Tourist Destinations” of Mahabalipuram. The 51 POIs are grouped into 4 Zones & a few stand-alone monuments according to the location of monuments. In other words, if one visits 4 zones, all the important POIs can be covered.

List of 51 POIs & Headings - Here.

POI POI (Monument) Name GMaps TG Posts’ Heritage Photos Visit Monument Duration
No Links Links IMP IMP Priority Type (Minutes)
ZONE -1
1 Murugan Temple Here Here 4 4 Low Structural 15

Introduction to Mahabalipuram:

Mahabalipuram is a picturesque historical coastal city in Tamil Nadu around 60 km from Chennai. One of India’s oldest cities. Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram) stands at the top of the popular tourist destinations in Asia.

Mahabalipuram/Mamallapuram has its roots (records) from the Sangam age (1st century BCE). The Pallava kings ruled here from the 3rd to the 9th Century CE; the Pallava king Narasimhavarman I founded Mahabalipuram in the 7th century AD. Most of the important monuments are dated between the 7th & the 8th century AD. (Some interesting notes - Here).

The previous post (POI No -38) of this series about Bhima Chariot is Here

The next POI No -40 is ‘Nakul & Sahadev Chariot’, Here.

This POI: Arjuna Chariot

Location: Located on the right side of the Bhima Chariot and the left side of the Draupadi chariot.

Zone Map:

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**Photo - 1. Caption: India Map & the zone map of Zone - 4, Mahabalipuram.

Arjuna Chariot

The Arjuna chariot is a part of the five chariots (Pancha Ratha) that was built in the 7th century by the Pallava dynasty King Mahendravarman I & his son Narasimhavarman I continued the construction. Despite their efforts, the monument remained unfinished.

There is no connection between the monuments and Pandavas - from the epic Mahabharata. The ASI proposed that the structures are called Vimanas but the name of the Pandavas continued to connect with these monuments.

The Arjuna chariot is a two-storey vimana (the structure over the inner sanctum) facing west that is located very near the Draupadi chariot. It is carved out of a stone that is 3.5 m / 4.9 m in width and has a height of 6.1 m. This monument is also dedicated to Lord Shiva like the Dharmaraja Ratha. It shares the same secondary platform with the Draupadi chariot. The structure looks simple with a sanctum sanctorum that has a pillared inner porch. The entrance has two small pillars that have the lion sitting posture sculpture at the base. The four sides of the structure are filled with wall sculptures.

Photo.2 - Caption: The Pancha Ratha (5 chariots) compound.

Photo.3 - Caption: The Arjuna chariot (right), The Draupadi chariot (Left) and the Tiger statue.

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*Photo.4 - Caption: Side view of the Arjuna Ratha.

Photo.5 - Caption: Rear view of the Arjuna chariot.

Photo.6 - Caption: Wall reliefs on the Arjuna Ratha and statue of the Bull behind the monument.

Photo.7 - Caption: Another side view.

Accessibility: It is difficult to push the wheelchair through the sand dunes.

  • The Google Maps link of the POI = Here
  • Reference Link (Wiki) = Here
  • Heritage Importance = 5/5
  • Photographic Importance = 4/5
  • Visit Priority = Very Important
  • Monument Type = Ratha (Chariot)
  • The Duration to see the POI = 10 minutes.
  • Entry: Adult = INR40, Foreigner = ₹350 & Camera – INR 20.(Kindly reconfirm the entry fee & visiting hour before your trip).
  • Official Visiting hours: 9 am to 5:30 pm.
  • Photography: This monument has more importance to its exterior; Similar to the other Rathas, the sanctum is poorly lit.
  • How to reach: By Railways: Nearest Railway stations are Chengalpattu (29 km) and Chennai (48 km) well-connected with many Indian cities. By Airways: Chennai International Airport (55 km) away from Mahabalipuram. By Road: Private/Public bus services can be availed from many cities of Tamil Nadu and South India including Chennai and Chengalpattu to reach Mahabalipuram.

Flash photography is prohibited in all the monuments of Mahabalipuram.

@Gurukrishnapriya @jayasimha78 @CAAG1959 @Anil6969 @Jaypalinaniyan @Shrut19 @Erna_LaBeau @PaDeSSo @SreejithJayasankar @MukulR

48 Likes

Wow,

Such a wonderful post series @TravellerG I had enjoyed your photography skill always ,

I am a diehard fan of you and your photography so I am happy to comment first on this series post…

Keep spreading this skill as I know most of people see your photo/post However the kind of effort and background you devote for the making a live post I had already seen.

Keep spreading good habits.

Regards

Anil

2 Likes

Namaskar,

** @TravellerG **

Beautiful…

post & photos…

Architecture look like ThreeD,

I love our Indian Gems…

1 Like

Hola @TravellerG como siempre una excelente publicación de este PDI, las fotografías se ven increíbles y la historia mucho más que interesante. Gracias por compartirla. Saludos desde Uruguay :uruguay: :uruguay: :uruguay:

1 Like

Hello dear friend @Anil6969

Happy to know that you love my photography.

Thanks for your kind compliments too.

Best wishes & regards

1 Like

Hello dear, @Shrut19

happy to know that you liked my post.

Thanks for your continued support.

I know that you are a great fan of Indian Heritage and Culture.

So all these monuments will create interest in you,

Once again thanks…

:pray: :bouquet:

1 Like

Thanks for your valuable Greetings from Uruguay, my dear friend @CAAG1959 .

happy that you enjoyed Mahabalipuram post.

Your kind words are excellent motivation for me.

Also thanks for your valuable supports.

:bouquet: :bouquet: :bouquet:

1 Like

Namaskar,

** @TravellerG **

Yes, I Strongly believe our indian culture is too rich compared then others & it’s our duty to share, if it not project to world…

Thanks for bringing this post to this platform…

1 Like

Yes, you are right…

, I Strongly believe our indian culture is too rich….”

Thanks for your valuable feedback, my dear @Shrut19

:handshake: :heart: :+1:

1 Like

Amazing series @TravellerG Sir. A perfect contribution by a perfect Local Guide. Interesting facts. The photos are very beautiful and mind blowing. Proud of our heritage. Thanks. Sorry for replying late.

1 Like

Welcome, very dear @Gurukrishnapriya

Happy that you enjoyed the post,

Thanks for your valuable companionship.

:pray: :bouquet: