Dharmaraja Ratha

Pancha Rathas, Mamallapuram

A rise in elevation below Dharmaraja gives a clear look at the decorative elements of its south roof (closeup, 60 kb); compare with Arjuna's similar roof (closeup, 340 kb). Half-figures, large in relative scale, look out over the roof, while other faces occupy the chandrashala windows. Square pillars set into fenced platforms support barrel-shaped (shala) "rooflets." On the lower eave of the roof is a line of rainspouts, sculpted in the shape of torsos.