Was Krishna Mandapam in Mahabalipuram a Classroom?
Krishna Mandapam or Krishna Cave Temple is one of the 8 mandapam (halls) of Mahabalipuram. It is a part of group of monuments at Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Tamil Nadu. The sculpted images in this cave are all in good condition.
Krishna Mandapam Mahabalipuram
Krishna Cave Temple Mahabalipuram is close to Arjuna’s Penance which is another mind boggling sculpted bas relief. Krishna Mandapam is the oldest among the several monuments there, dating back to mid 7th century. This one is themed on a story from Indian mythology. Entrance to the cave is adorned with columns carved with horned lions.
Images carved on the surface of the wall depict the famous story of Krishna as a child saving the villagers from the wrath of Lord Indra. He is shown as holding the Govardhana Hill on his little finger, and all villagers and animals taking shelter under the hill, protecting themselves from incessant rains.
Story of Krishna
If this Krishna Mandapam was some kind of classroom, the message would be: The story of Krishna saving villagers from the fury of Rain God Lord Indra.
The shepherd community namely Gokulas thanked Indra Dev once a year for his showers of blessings. But Bhagwan Krishna asked the people to stop their practicing such custom as it was the people’s hard work that brought the people the materialistic wealth and not Lord Indra. However, Lord Indra now deprived of the customary offerings and prayers of people got angry and ordered the rain clouds to pour heavily to destroy all the animals. People trembled in fear and went to Lord Krishna for help.
It is then Lord Krishna did this mighty act of lifting the huge Govardhan Hill to protect the people and their cattle. What makes it more miraculous is that He lifted the mountain with His single little finger! The downpour went on for several days, but Lord Krishna stood standing with the mountain on his little finger offering protection to the villagers. Lord Indra felt very embarrassed being challenged by the kid and withdrew the clouds, considering the marvelous act of the small boy.
I was wondering if this served as some kind of classroom centuries back where little children took their lessons, and these sculpted images served as visuals! The way the sculptor had sculpted the various emotions is amazing. I stood admiring the image of the cow licking her calf as she was being milked by a villager. The curve of her tongue and her half closed eye depicted the tender motherly feelings so well.
The shepherdess holding her child’s hand and pots on her head… did she have an anxious look or did I imagine it… a man carrying his child on his shoulder… all seeking shelter from incessant rains. Human relationships sculpted on speechless stones yet speaking volumes.
No tickets are required to see this. It is a free sight. Thankfully the carvings are protected as they are inside the cave. You can tour this cave in 10 to 15minutes.
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I have not seen the Krishna mandapam…I should rectify that now!
I was recently on a tour of the Pandya country and saw some amazing sculptures there as well.
truly beautiful 🙂
I'd been there very recently, Indrani. You've captured the essence without putting up the usual photos:-)
Wonderful photos. What a marvellous sculpture. I have been to Mahabalipuram several times and I like the place very much.
there is a story behind every stone carving..bringing back memories of mahabalipuram 🙂
The post brought back to me the sweet memories of Mahabalipuram.
Indrani, these are fabulous sculptures, so interesting, I've enjoyed them a lot. Very beautiful the pictures.
Your photos beautifully do tell the story.
What beautiful depictions. Thank you for bringing this World Heritage Site in Tamil Nadu to some of us across the world. Wonderful photographs.
beautiful description with pictures..:)
If lessons are on the spot, they will never be forgotten. The depictions are painstaking. Great post!
a lovely memoir..
Its really amazing,
there are many different emotions in the stones !!
Unique art work 🙂
What talent these sculptors had!
These stones certainly speak volumes.. its been ages since ive been there, and really would love to go again…. such a place never tires us….
What an informative post, and so well written!
So amazing when you think of what went into this and how long ago. Just beautiful.
Oh how I have missed your world lessons for the past little while! You have such a beautiful way with words…you always make me itchy to travel.
I'm a huge fan of sculpture and reliefs – and love the idea of them being used as visuals for children long ago. Such a beautiful thought.
I have been to Mahabalipuram once.But didn't know these stories.Thank you for the wonderful post .
One has to really marvel at the sculptors' skills… especially with the primitive tools that he would have had.
'Human relationships sculpted on speechless stones…'
That is beautiful. Just beautiful.
Wow… Reminds of my trip to Mahabalipuram. Its in my blog in 3 parts..!!! 🙂
Paris City – Part II
My Little Black Dress