Ratha (architecture)

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Plans of the main types of buildings with rathas

In Hindu temple architecture, a ratha is a facet or vertical offset projection on the tower (generally a sikhara).[1]

In Sanskrit, the word "ratha" means "chariot", but the link with this meaning is not clear.

The rathas are workshiped and decorated with geometric figures or statues. Such as statues of a gatekeeper watching outside or a niche with a statue of a deity.

Sometimes, the facet of the ratha is hollowed to the interior : these are rathas with recesses.

If there is only one facet, this is a temple with three rathas (triratha): the wall and the facet on the left and on the right.

If there are a main facet and a secondary one, the temple has five rathas (pancharatha). There are also temples with seven rathas (saptaratha).[2][3] and nine rathas (navaratha).


Examples of triratha temples

Triratha temples
Parasurameswar Temple 

Examples of pancharatha temples


Pancharatha temples
Isanesvara Siva Temple in Bhubaneswar 
Jagannath Temple in Baripada 
Lingaraja Temple in Bhubaneswar 
Main article: Pancharatha

Examples of saptaratha temples

  • Chaturbhuja Temple in Khajuraho
  • Shiva Lakhesvara Temple near Bhubaneswar
  • Sikhara of the temple of Swayambhunath in Katmandou
Saptatha temples
Chaturbhuja Temple 
Sikhara of Swayambunath 

Examples of navaratha temples

Navaratha temples
Vamana Temple 
Adinath Temple 

Notes

  1. ↑ http://tourism.oriyaonline.com/temple_architecture.html
  2. ↑ http://www.banglapedia.org/httpdocs/HT/A_0291.HTM
  3. ↑ http://spiritualvedicnames.com/saptaratha/

See also

  • Ratha, for the original meaning of the word

External links

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