Mandapa

(“pavilion”) The mandapa is an architectural feature found in the Khajuraho
variation of the Nagara architectural
style. Usually found in northern India,
the Nagara style emphasizes verticality,
with the whole temple building culminating in a single highest point. In the
Khajuraho style, the entire structure
gradually leads up to the central tower,
as foothills lead up to the mountains,
with the peak of this central tower
directly over the temple’s primary
417
Mandapa
image. In this style, the mandapa is the
name for a hall of the temple that is usually
between the entrance hall (ardhamandapa) and the main hall (mahamandapa).