Bhima Ratha - Mamallapuram

Introduction

If I miss the Five Ratha Complex and still claim to have visited Mamallapuram, people might literally laugh at me. Yes! It is one of the most picturesque and famous monuments of the heritage-rich town. 

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. 

Five Rathas in Mamallapuram 

Draupadi Ratha

Arjuna Ratha

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

Bhima Ratha is the third monolithic structure in the Pancha Ratha Complex from the north. 

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. 

The north and south sides are comparatively smaller. On both these sides, there are two pillars and two pilasters. They are also supposed to have seated Simha Vyala bases carrying round shafts above. However, they are left incomplete. The cornice has three pairs of kudus with inset human faces. The roof above the cornice is decorated with three sala shrines and two kuta shrines at the end.

South-side of temple

The interesting gable ends of the roof are found on the top floor on the north and south sides. They appear like Buddhist chaitya arches. Six projecting brackets, topped with a Simha-Vyala image, support the arch. A square-shaped mini shrine topped with a roof with two kudus, an octagonal vimana, and a circular shikhara is found within this arch. The base of vimana has a few mini-figures of Vyalas. The shikhara has a human face embedded in it. On both ends of the arch are seen makaras. From their mouths emanate floral decorations reaching to the top. It appears to be more finished than the south side on the north side. 

Gable end

(What is a makara? Makara is a mythical creature that has no defined form. It combines the features of various sea and land animals. The combination of animals varies in various icons. But, all the icons have two standard features for sure; its long and probing snout and its spread out tail.)

Octagonal Vimana and Circular Shikhara

As the first floor is complete and the ground floor remains incomplete, it is evident that the carving was started from top to bottom. Most of the features on the upper floor make us wonder if there was an original wooden structure and it is just a replica made of stone.

Happy travelling.