Miscellaneous Spots around Mamallapuram
Koneri Mandapam
There are two rock-out cave temples near a hillock opposite to the
river Koneri. One temple has fine cells which is almost a completed
architecture. The gate keepers of an impressive carriage and smooth
surroundings are the only specialties. There are also two unfinished Mandapams
nearly.
The age of this temple is hard to guess. While several other
rock-cut temples in Mahabalipuram can be dated (roughly) by the design of
details, especially columns, Koneri Mandapam is not that simple. It has two
kinds of columns, each of which is attributed to its own period - simple
Mahendra-style pillars and also later ornamented columns.
First four pillars and two pilasters adorn the entrance - these
front columns have been designed in Mahendra style - slender, four-sided on the
top and bottom and eight-sided in the middle. Further inside there are four
more columns in different style - more sophisticated and well ornamented.
Temple has five cells and this is one of arguments why it could
have been devoted to Shiva - because number five is closely linked to this
deity. It is also possible that Vishnu followers - Vaishnavites - took over the
temple in Vijayanagara period as it happened in some other temples in
Mahabalipuram
There have been preserved few sculptures except for the rear wall
with its five sanctuaries. Each of these sanctuaries is guarded by a pair
of Dvarapalas - only one of these guards in the far left side
is chiseled away in later times. Above the sanctuaries there are pairs of vyalas -
some of these sculptures are not completed.
Kodikkal Mandapam
This has a
rectangular shape and it lies south west of Trimurti cave. There are two maiden
doors - keepers on the entrance one with a sowed and the other with a bow. The
centre is bare. There is a belief that this rock - cut shrine was dedicated to
goddess Durga.
Ramanuja Mandapam
Around Mahishasura Mardhini Mandapam there are some interesting
Mandapams. One of them is Ramanuja Mandapam. It is on the way to the light
house which is led by a narrow path. This mandapam is well finished and has
three chambers in it. This was earlier dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Vaishnavas,
followers of Lord Vishnu wanted to build a Vishnu Temple and so they destroyed
this Ramanuja Mandapam is what said about its destruction.
Replica of Arjuna’s Penance
This is situated to the south of Krishna Mandapam. Sculptors tried
to present a replica of Arjuna’s penance. This lies incomplete but gives a
reflection and dedication of the Pallava artists. To the south of this replica
lies a three celled rectangular mandapam known as Dharmaraja Mandapam. The
sculptures in this Mandapam have been scraped off.