Mantapa

The open mantapa which serves the purpose of an outer hall (outer mantapa) is a regular feature in larger Hoysala temples leading to an inner small closed mantapa and the shrine(s).

One decorated roof tier runs on top of the wall of a closed mantapa above the heavy eaves of an open mantapa and above the porches.

The closed mantapa, well decorated inside and out, is larger than the vestibule connecting the shrine and the mantapa and has four lathe-turned pillars to support the ceiling, which may be deeply domed.

He said that the vows and democratic sermons of Lord Basveshwara through ‘Anubhava Mantapa’ are like a ray of light for India.

A bay is a square or rectangular compartment in the hall (Foekema 1996, p93) The shape of the open mantapa is best described as staggered-square and is the style used in most Hoysala temples.

Temples that are not built on a jagati can have steps flanked by elephant balustrades ( parapets ) that lead to the mantapa from ground level.

The closed mantapa is connected to the shrine(s) by a vestibule, a square area that also connects the shrines.

The entrance to the mantapa normally has a highly ornate overhead lintel called a makaratorana (makara is an imaginary beast and torana is an overhead decoration).

The mantapa ceiling is generally ornate with sculptures, both mythological and floral.

The open mantapas which are often spacious have seating areas (asana) made of stone with the mantapa's parapet wall acting as a back rest.

This is also called "cross-in-square" style and is not a square (Foekema, 1996, p22) Even the smallest open mantapa has 13 bays.