Five monolithic chariot temples dedicated to Hindu gods. Also known as Pancha Pandava Rathas. Although there are eight temples, people recognize only five. It is said that the five Rathas represent the five chariots used by the Pandavas. Four of these temples have been scooped out of one single rock. The imposing Gopurams and sculptured pillars & walls give us a glimpse of the style which was adopted in constructing temples all over Tamil Nadu.

The road up to this archeologic place is full of stone-carvers and it is pleasant to hear the hamering from morning till sunset. Pity, this will be soon gone. The government is planning to enlarge this road and most of the carvers will vanish. Instead they are building a big concrete shopping complex near the Five Rathas and they can rent a place over there.

I took this photo from outside as the income-fee (see next photo) is rather high to pay each year that I pass Mamalla but this will be not more possible as the whole premisses will be fenced.

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