mandapams

A mandapam, also spelled mandapa, is a pillared pavilion used in Hindu temple architecture. The term derives from Sanskrit mandapa, meaning shelter, hall, or place of assembly. In South Indian temple complexes, mandapams are integral components that connect the exterior approach to the sanctum sanctorum and other precincts.

Mandapams function as ritual and social spaces within temples. They provide a venue for processions, religious discourses, festivals, and devotional performances such as music and dance. Some mandapams are built for specific purposes, such as the sabha mandapam (assembly hall) or the navagraha mandapam, which houses images of the nine celestial bodies and related iconography.

Architecturally, mandapams are typically stone structures in Dravidian temple design, supported by rows of carved pillars and richly decorated with sculptures, friezes, and relief panels depicting deities, mythological scenes, and floral motifs. The ceilings, cornices, and bases are often elaborately treated, and the hall may be approached by steps from surrounding precincts.

Historically, mandapams have been prominent in South Indian temple architecture, with notable development during the Chola, Pandya, and Vijayanagara periods. The form continues to be employed in modern temples, preserving traditional stylistic conventions while adapting to contemporary needs. They remain a defining element of temple complexes, reflecting the cultural emphasis on ritual performance, music, and dance as integral aspects of worship.