| Title | Ratha architecture styleRare |
|---|---|
| Description | Ratha architecture refers to temples or structures designed to resemble chariots, often monolithic and carved from a single rock, symbolizing a deity's vehicle and power. |
| Also Known As | Dravidian temple rock-cut monolithic ratha. Dravidian Architecture Pallava Architecture Rock-cut Architecture Rathas (Chariot-shaped Temples) Gopurams Mandapas Vimana South Indian Temple Style Dravidian Temple Architecture with Straits Settlements Adaptations Dravidian Gopuram Straits Settlement Vernacular Chariot Procession Architecture |
| Tags | Chariot temples Monolithic rathas Dharmaraja Ratha Arjuna Ratha Bhima Ratha Ratha Chariot Procession Festival Utsava |
| Style ID | INHF-STY-1653463519-10:46:55:06:01:19:RAS |
| URI | https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/styles/ratha-architecture-style |
| API Endpoint | https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/ratha-architecture-style |
| Total Sites | 2 |
| Primary Sites | 0 |
| Created | November 19, 2025 |
| Last Updated | November 29, 2025 |
Regions
| Regions | Tamil Nadu Karnataka Andhra Pradesh Odisha |
|---|
Historical Context
| Time Periods | 7th-8th century CE 7th century CE onwards |
|---|---|
| Dynasties | Pallava Chola Vijayanagara Ganga |
Sacred Context
| Sacred Contexts | Hindu temples Temple festivals Processions Ritualistic events |
|---|---|
| Associated Deities | Shiva Vishnu Durga Devi Surya |
Architectural Details
| Primary Materials | Granite Stone Wood Bronze |
|---|---|
| Architectural Features | Chariot-shaped temples Monolithic structures Pillared halls Sculptural details Wheels Horses Chariot-like form Sculptural panels Processional routes |
Keywords
| Keywords | Chariot temples Monolithic rathas Dharmaraja Ratha Arjuna Ratha Bhima Ratha Ratha Chariot Procession Festival Utsava |
|---|
Recommended Sources
| Title | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| The Shore Temple at Mamallapuram | Article | Specific study of the Shore Temple's architecture and history. |
| The Art of South India: India & Southeast Asia | Book | Explores the cultural context of chariot processions and temple cars. |
Heritage Sites (2)
| Site Name | Status | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Shore Temple Mahabalipuram | Secondary | 100% |
| Sri Maha Mariamman Temple George Town Penang | Secondary | 100% |
See Also
Related Materials
Granite
Stone
Wood
Bronze
Related Features
Chariot-shaped temples
Monolithic structures
Pillared halls
Sculptural details
Wheels
Horses
Chariot-like form
Sculptural panels
Processional routes
How to Identify Ratha architecture style
- Look for characteristic features: Chariot-shaped temples, Monolithic structures, Pillared halls.
- Verify geographic location: Ratha architecture style architecture is typically found in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
- Examine construction materials: Ratha architecture style typically uses Granite and Stone.
- Consider historical context: This style dates from 7th-8th century CE.
- Compare with documented examples: 2 heritage sites use this architectural style.