Mandapa

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Open mandapa at Amritapura
Open mandapa at Amritapura

A mandapa (also spelled mantapa or mandapam) in Indian architecture is a pillared outdoor hall or pavilion for public rituals.[1]

Contents

[edit] Temple architecture

Mandapa porch, Shimoga
Mandapa porch, Shimoga

In the Hindu temple the mandapa is a porch-like structure through the (gopuram) (ornate gateway) and leading to the temple. It is used for religious dancing and music and is part of the basic temple compound.[2] The prayer hall was generally built in front of the temple's sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha). A large temple would have many mandapas.[3]

If a temple has more that one mandapa, each one is allocated for a different function and given a name to reflect its use. For example, a mandapa dedicated to divine marriage is referred to as a kalyana mandapa.[4] Often the hall was pillared and the pillars adorned with intricate carvings.[5] In contemporary terms, it also represents a structure within which a Hindu wedding is performed. The Bride & Groom encircle a holy fire lit by the officiating priest in the center of the Mandapa.

[edit] Name variations

Kambadahalli Ganga mandapa
Kambadahalli Ganga mandapa

When a temple has more than one mandapa, they are given different names.[3]

  • gMaha
  • mandapa
  • Ranga Mandapa
  • Meghanath Mandapa
  • Namaskara Mandapa
  • Kalyana Mandapa
  • Open Mandapa
  • Jagamohan.
  • Artha Mandapam — intermediary space between the sanctum sanctorum and the temple exterior
  • Asthana Mandapam — assembly hall
  • Kalyana Mandapam — dedicated to ritual marriage celebration of the Lord with Goddess
  • Maha Mandapam — big hall for conducting religious discourses

The Burmese term mandat, which has etymological origins in Pali mandapa is an open platform from which people spray water to passersby during the Buddhist festival Thingyan.

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ Thapar, Binda (2004). Introduction to Indian Architecture. Singapore: Periplus Editions, p. 143. ISBN 0-7946-0011-5. 
  2. ^ Ching, Francis D.K. (1995). A Visual Dictionary of Architecture. New York: John Wiley and Sons, p. 253. ISBN 0-471-82451-3. 
  3. ^ a b Architecture of the Indian Subcontinent - Glossary. Retrieved on 2007-01-08.
  4. ^ Thapar, Binda (2004). Introduction to Indian Architecture. Singapore: Periplus Editions, p 43. ISBN 0-7946-0011-5. 
  5. ^ Glossary of Indian Art. art-and-archaeology.com. Retrieved on 2007-01-08.

[edit] External links

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