Parvatagirisvarar Cave Temple, Kunnandarkoil – Nritta Mandapam

Parvatagirisvarar Cave Temple, Kunnandarkoil – Nritta Mandapam

Nritta Mandapam is situated on the southern side of the outer prakaram of the temple premises and is facing towards east. This Mandapam is also called as Ratha Mandapam. The mandapa consists of three parts namely frontal porch, pillared hall and stage. This mandapa can be accessed through flight of seven steps on northern and southern side of the frontal porch. The frontal porch is depicted like a chariot with horses and wheels on either side.

There are twenty-four spokes in both the wheels. The spokes are in form of a shankha (conch) and a deva gana arranged in alternate fashion. The base of the porch on the front side is supported by eight bhuta ganas. Out of the eight ganas, seven are male and one is female. The roof of the porch is flat and supported by eight pillars. There is a small platform on the north west corner meant for the musicians.

The mandapa is in dilapidated condition and the roof of the mandapa is in ruined state causing seepage of rainwater. The middle part of the mandapam is the pillared hall for audiences. The hall has six rows of pillars with three rows on both side with a spacious pathway in the middle. The pillars are intricately carved. The elevation of the roof is little higher than the frontal porch. The walls of the pillared hall had been fallen. The rear portion of the mandapa is stage meant for performing artists.

The stage is constructed on the edges of the hillock. The stage can be accessed through flight of five steps on either sides. The roof of the stage is supported by twenty pillars arranged in four rows. There is a private entrance for the artists on the northern side of the stage. Ratha (chariot) mandapam is of the Vijayanagara style. On an elevation stands a big hall with hundred and one pillars in six rows. To the basement are added stone wheels to simulate a running chariot.