Krishna Mandapam, Mahabalipuram

Mandapa of Krishna or Krishna Mandapam is a monument at Mahabalipuram, on the coast of Bay of Bengal. It is part of the Group of monuments at Mahabalipuram which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It is located on a small hilltop next to the open rock relief of Descent of the Ganges or Arjuna's Penance. It is originally consisted of an open air rock relief and was later enclosed with a mandapa in the 16th century during the Vijayanagara Empire.

Significance:

One important relief(rock relief) displays Krishna lifting the Govardhana Hill on the finger of his left hand to save the people from floods caused by heavy rains.

Indra was annoyed with the people of the village(now Mathura) as they had discontinued celebration of a festival in his honour. He created a huge storm with heavy rainshowers, threatening the life of the villagers. Krishna, who was from the same village, lifted the Govardhana Hill (near Mathura), creating an umbrella of protection and saving the village, its people and the cowherds.

How To Reach:

Mahabalipuram bus stand is just 190 m away from the mandapam and can be reached easily by walk.