Studies in Indian Art c14.s5.11

c14.s5.11

The sanctum or adytum in the temple is called *Garbhagriha*, from which is derived the Hindi form *Gambhārā*. The cella marks the central lotus of the entire temple structure (*Prāsāda-Kamala*). There are three series of *mandapas* or pavilions leading from the sanctum. The first is the *Gūḍha Mandapa* or the *Antarāla Mandapa* which serves as a vestibule. In the centre is the Middle Hall called *Ranga-Mandapa*, *Navaranga* or *Nritya-Mandapa*. In three-celled structures of the triple shrines found in the Hoysala style in Mysore (c. 1047-1286), in the southern Chalukyan style and the north Indian Chandela style of architecture (as for example at Dudhai in Jhansi district in the Small Surang Temple), the central Middle Hall serves as the most conspicuous portion of the building. Its pillars support a high projecting cone as the roof with a pendentive and decorated all round with deep cusps. The entrance in front of the centre hall is connected by another covered space called the *Balāna-Mandapa* or *Mukha Mandapa*.