It is one of ten rathas ("chariots") carved out of pink granite within the group of monuments of the Pallava Period at Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO-inscribed World Heritage Site since 1984.

[1] The ratha is an example of monolith Indian rock-cut architecture dating from the late seventh century during the reign of King Mahendravarman I and his son Narasimhavarman I.

The temple is located in Mamallapuram, now known as Mahabalipuram,[2] on the Coromandel Coast in the Bay of Bengal of the Indian Ocean, within the Kanchipuram district.

[3][4] Situated 2 metres (6 ft 7 in) from the Varaha Cave Temple, the Ganesha Ratha is west facing.

The ratha is three tiered and studded with images and other architectural features which are found in other South Indian temples.

The top of the vaulted roof is fitted with a series of nine vase-shaped finials each consisting of a pot and trident.