Bhima Ratha - Mamallapuram
Introduction
My three previous posts give a detailed introduction to Five Rathas and exclusive coverage of Draupadi Ratha and Arjuna Ratha. As it is a series of articles, please access these links and go through the content if you have not yet read them.
This article focuses on Bhima Ratha. I will continue to cover the remaining two Rathas in my subsequent posts.
(Note: I wrote about most of the monuments in Mamallapuram about ten years ago in my blog. This series of articles is my attempt to provide much detailed coverage on all aspects of Pandava Rathas.)
Layout
Like other Rathas on the premises, it is named after a Pandava brother, Bhima. However, there is no connection with any of the Pandavas. It is supposed to be a temple of Vishnu.
The massive-looking west-facing temple has a rectangular sanctum with an oblong-shaped roof with gable ends. It has two tiers and hence it is called Dvi-tala Salakaara Vimana. (Whoever named this structure probably chose the name of Bhima, the massive one among all five Pandavas keeping its bulkiness in mind.)
The 25-feet high west-facing Ratha is 42 feet long and 25 feet wide.
Dvi-tala Salakara Vimana |
Architecture
The Garbha griha (sanctum) is devoid of any deity now. The rectangular shrine is generally meant for Vishnu in the reclining posture or Sapta Matrikas. Hence, it is believed to be a Vishnu temple. With its entrance in the west direction, it has a circumambulatory path open in all directions.
The east and west sides are larger than the remaining two sides. On both these sides, there are four pillars and two pilasters. They have seated Simha Vyala bases carrying round shafts above. (Simha-Vyala - A mythological animal that looks like a lion). (These kinds of pillars are called rampant lion pillars.)
Pillars with seated Simha-Vyala bases |
The bulbous capitals above the shafts support the Kapota (cornice). The cornice has five pairs of kudus with inset human faces. (Kudu is a horseshoe-shaped arch serving as a decorative motif.) The roof above the cornice is decorated with five oblong-shaped miniature shrines called Sala and two square-shaped mini shrines at the corners named Kuta. These mini shrines are connected with a covered pathway (harantaras/cloisters) made of two pillared mandapas with roofs. The wagon-shaped roofs of these shrines are with gabled ends. Kudus are found in the middle of the top of shrines and pathways. Instead of human faces, miniature shrines are found within those kudus. A frieze of mini Simha Vyalas is seen as the base of all these smaller shrines and cloisters.
Kudu with inset human faces |
Sala vimana, harantara and Kuta vimana |
The second tier is a disjoint construction as it does not superimpose over the miniature shrines on the lower floor. The shrine on this floor is oblong in shape, topped with a vaulted roof. There is a circumambulatory path around it.
Oblong-shaped shrine with a vaulted roof |
There are five koshtas (niches) in the upper tier, each supported by two pilasters. The bhadra (central) niche and the two karna (corner) niches are in the form of a complete temple with a cornice, two kudus and vimana (superstructure) on top. The other two niches are also in the form of temples but without a cornice. The superstructure is directly imposed on the beam above the pillars. Also, these two niches are shorter than the other three. Some of these Koshtas have royal figures sculpted up to the bust.
Koshtas with royal figures in the second tier |
The vaulted roof is a sloping curvilinear structure. The ridge in the middle is decorated with eighteen stupis (finials). Only the bases remain now.
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