Was Krishna Mandapam Mahabalipuram a Classroom?
Krishna Mandapam or Krishna Cave Temple is one of the 8 mandapam (halls) of Mahabalipuram. I recently visited the Krishna Mandapam, the largest mandapam in Mamallapuram, dedicated to Lord Krishna. Located next to Arjuna’s Penance, this 7th-century cave temple is one of the major attractions of Mahabalipuram. (It is also known by the name Mamallapuram.) The town is known for its stunning beaches, stone temples, sculptures, and monoliths. Chances are you may run short of time seeing them all. However hectic the tour of Mahabalipuram be, don’t miss out on visiting the Krishna Mandapam.
The works in the caves and temples, most of which were created during the Pallava era under King Narasimhavarman I (630-668 AD), became UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1984. Today these are carefully maintained by the Archaeological Society of India (ASI), these ancient marvels continue to awe visitors.
Krishna Cave Temple Mahabalipuram
Krishna Mandapam Mahabalipuram
The Krishna Mandapam Mahabalipuram is no exception. A grand bas-relief of Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhana Hill to protect the Yadavas is the centerpiece of this ancient cave temple. This one is themed on a story from Indian mythology. The relief shows Krishna, flanked by his siblings Balarama and Subhadra, creating a protective umbrella against a deluge sent by the storm god Indra. What makes this relief even more enchanting is the rich depiction of village life—cattle being milked, women carrying pots, and serene scenes of daily life—all etched in stone with impeccable craftsmanship. These tiny details bring out the essence of the era and the devotion to Lord Krishna.
Krishna Cave Temple Mahabalipuram is located 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. 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 Govardhan 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 marvellous act of the small boy.
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 Mandapam Mahabalipuram Information
Location – Krishna Cave is located close to Arjuna’s Penance bas relief
Krishna mandapam Mahabalipuram timings – No tickets are required to see this. It is a free sight. The caves don’t have any gates. However the cave doesn’t have any lights so there is no point visiting at night. Thankfully the carvings are protected as they are inside the cave. You can tour this Krishna cave in 10 to 15 minutes.
5 Star Hotels near Krishna Mandapam
Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay – 890 m from Krishna Mandapam, it is just about 4 to 5 minutes walk from Mahabalipuram Beach
Ivy Villa – 2.3 km from Krishna Mandapam, 5 minutes walk to Mahabalipuram Beach
Manna Villa – 1.9 km from Krishna Mandapam, 5 minutes walk to Mahabalipuram Beach
StayVista at Agam Villa – 7.4 km from Krishna Mandapam
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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