Ganesha Ratha — Attraction in Tamil Nadu

Ganesha Ratha is a temple in Kancheepuram district, Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of ten rathas ("chariots") carved out of pink granite within the group of monuments of the Pallava Period at Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO-inscribed World Heritage Site since 1984. The ratha is an example of monolith Indian rock-cut architecture dating from the late seventh century during the reign of King Mahendravarman I and his son Narasimhavarman I. Initially constructed with a Shiva Linga, it is now deified with a Ganesha deity after the linga was removed.

The Ganesha Ratha is a fully completed rock-cut structure, while nearby rathas are incomplete. The current stone ratha is a replica of a wooden version which preceded it. Its construction is credited to Narasimhavarman I who reigned 630-688AD. While it is conjectured that this ratha was built prior to the other rathas of the area, there is no historical evidence to confirm it.

The temple was originally dedicated to Lord Shiva but in the 1880s, villagers replaced the Shiva Linga with an image of Ganesha, after formally seeking permission from the District Collector, and may have been attributed to George V of England.[8] The original Shiva Linga is installed under a tree nearby. Along with several other monuments, this temple gained UNESCO World Heritage Site distinction in 1984 as "Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram".

It is built to a rectangular plan which measures 20 by 11.5 feet (6.1 m × 3.5 m), and is 28 feet (8.5 m) in height on the exterior. The interior rectangular chamber measures 7 by 4 feet (2.1 m × 1.2 m), and is 7 feet (2.1 m) in height. The ratha is three tiered and studded with images and other architectural features which are found in other South Indian temples. The facade is a columned verandah flanked by sculptures of dwarapalakas (guardians). The columns are mounted on seated lions which are the typecast design of Pallava architecture. There are also two pilasters, which are also lion mounted, and they face each other. It is a rock cut structure. The cornices above the pillars have Kudu (Horse-shoe shaped dormer windows) depictions along its entire length and these kudus are also depicted at the gable ends of the roof. Below the gabled roofs, on both long ends windows are carved in horseshoe shape with three doors, the central door has a sculpture of a human head with a trident akin to Shiva. At the other end of the gable, this sculpture is missing. In the back wall between the pilasters, images are not carved. The roof covering above the top floor is large, vaulted, and wagon-shaped, with arches at the corners. The top of the vaulted roof is fitted with a series of nine vase-shaped finials each consisting of a pot...

..Visited on 29th Jul 2019 .. One life time cannot satisfy to evaluate these TREASURES

As a Traveller – Photographer – Reviewer, after referring many documents, we came to the following conclusions

Ganesha Ratha is a temple or Chariot (Mahabalipuram). It is one of ten rathas carved out of pink granite within the group of these monuments. This RATHA is an example of monolith Indian rock-cut architecture of 7th century, during the reign of King Mahendravarman I and his son Narasimhavarman I. Initially constructed as a Shiva Linga (Lord Shiva) Temple, is now with a Ganesha deity.

NOTE: Most of the architectural creations at Mamallapuram, (mostly attributed to Mamalla in the 7th century), adopted stone as the medium for sculpting in situ rock faces, which till then was done in perishable materials. The group of about 40 Monuments in this area contains several categories of monuments Known as ratha (Chariot) temples with monolithic processional chariots. These (cave) Temples with narratives from the Mahabharata and Shaivic, Shakti and Vaishna inscriptions in a number of Indian languages and scripts are worth seeing! (And taking photos)

This area, also known as the “Seven Pagodas” (anciently) also is called the Mamallapuram. These sites were restored after 1960 AD.

INFO: Few out of “What to see in Mahabalipuram” are: Shore Temple, Tiger Cave Sculpture museum Pancha Ratha Krishna’s Butter Ball Descent of Ganges Penance of Arjuna Mahabalipuram Beach Ganesha Ratha Varaha Cave Sthala Sayana Perumal Temple Mahishamardini Mandapa Mahabalipuram lighthouse Draupadi Ratha Arjun Chariot Heritage Museum Olakkannesvara Temple Valayankuttai Ratha Maritime Museum Naval Museum Symmetric Building Mukunda Nayanar Temple Yudhishthir Chariot Karukathamman Temple Raya Gopuram Wall Carvings Monkey Monk (Park) Pallava Beach Many Sculpture Manufacturing places Many...

This rock-cut temple in Mahabalipuram is a marvel of ancient craftsmanship. Carefully carved from a single block of pink granite, it stands fully completed—unlike several nearby unfinished chariots. The temple is a part of a group of stone "rathas" built by a South Indian dynasty, carved during the late seventh century by kings like Mahendravarman I and Narasimhavarman I .

Originally, the shrine was dedicated to Shiva and housed a Shiva Linga. In the late 19th century local worshippers replaced it with an idol of Ganesha, giving the temple its current name . Some historians believe this temple was the first of its kind at the site, inspired by an earlier wooden prototype .

Architecturally it follows a classic South Indian temple design. It has a rectangular base and a two-tiered superstructure decorated with carved pilasters, niches, and roof motifs. Inside there is a small sanctum housing the Ganesha idol, with finely sculpted walls showing figures of Shiva, Vishnu, Durga and others .

The surroundings feel calm and open. The temple sits near a hillside and close to a famous bas-relief carving of a mythological story. The area around it is neat, has walkways and some shade, making it a pleasant place to explore and reflect.

A visit here usually takes about thirty to forty-five minutes, enough to admire the architecture, understand the history, and soak in the serene atmosphere .

This shrine stands out because it was completed when nearby structures remained unfinished. It shows the early evolution of monolith rock-cut architecture of that era .

If you are visiting Mahabalipuram, this temple is a must-stop. It offers a clear example of early temple design, history that connects two major dynastic rulers, and a peaceful spot amid the famous...