One of the finest monolithic temples at Mahabalipuram. Though three-storeyed and of better workmanship, it resembles the Bhima Ratha in roof form. The gable ends of the wagon-roof have a finial showing a human head decorated by trident-shaped headgear, the side-prongs suggesting the usual horns in the dvarapala figures and the central one wears a long and narrow crown. This Motif is repeated in the finials of decorative gables along the wagon-roof . There is a usual pavilion and kudu-ornamentation. The elaborately worked roofs has nine vase-shaped finials and is the precursor of the later gopuram, an essential adjunct of medieval south Indian temples.
A row of pilasters decorates the sides and the back while the opening is to the west. Between the dvarapalas at either end are the two lion pillars in the center and two pilasters. The cell beyond the hall once contained a Siva-linga, but it is now occupied by a figure of Ganesa installed by villagers four or five decades ago. The temple is carved during the reign of Paramesvaravarman I.
A row of pilasters decorates the sides and the back while the opening is to the west. Between the dvarapalas at either end are the two lion pillars in the center and two pilasters. The cell beyond the hall once contained a Siva-linga, but it is now occupied by a figure of Ganesa installed by villagers four or five decades ago. The temple is carved during the reign of Paramesvaravarman I.
Vintage Photo of Ganesa Ratha
Courtesy British Library
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