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.

Krishna Cave Temple Mahabalipuram

Krishna Cave Temple Mahabalipuram

Krishna Cave Temple Mahabalipuram Tamil Nadu

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.

Krishna Cave Temple Mahabalipuram Balram

Krishna Cave Temple Mahabalipuram animals taking shelter

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.

Krishna Cave Mahabalipuram-man milking cow

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.

Krishna Cave Mahabalipuram Man with his pet

Krishna Cave Temple Mahabalipuram cows

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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