Ramanuja Mandapam, Mahabalipuram - Timings, History, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 500 m from Mahabalipuram Bus Stand, the Ramanuja Mandapam is an ancient rock-cut temple situated in Mahabalipuram. Located to the south of Raya Gopuram, it is one of the most prominent places to visit as part of Mahabalipuram leisure packages.

The Ramanuja Mandapa was originally a complete cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, constructed by Paramesvara Varman I. However, it suffered extensive vandalism during the Vaishnava resurgence in the Vijayanagara period. During this resurgence, the figures adorning the temple walls were removed, the arrangement of cells on the back wall was modified, and a mandapa was added in front of the cave.

This east-facing cave temple measures 24 feet in length and 8 feet in depth, featuring three cells. The Ramanuja cave includes a rectangular ardha-mandapa, characterized by a series of pillars. The façade of the cave temple is supported by two pillars and two pilasters, with the pillars resting on seated-vyala bases that support octagonal shafts. The cornice of the façade is adorned with dormer-window (kudu-arches) decorations. Instead of typical human figures within these arches, lotus medallions are present. Above these arches, five interconnected oblong shrines have been carved out. Flanking the façade are two model vimanas set upon a square rock platform.

The side shrines were initially positioned approximately two feet behind the central shrine, yet all three shared a common raised base. The entrances to the shrines were originally flanked by dvarapalas, which are now largely absent. The back wall of the central shrine features a five-foot-square panel that once held a Somaskanda bas-relief, much of which has been erased. There is no indication of panels in the side shrines.

The three cells were dedicated to Brahma, Shiva (the central cell) and Vishnu, or to three obscure forms of Shiva. The southern panel in the main mandapa probably contained Durga. None of the images have survived only faint remnants are traceable, because most of the wall reliefs were chiseled off. On the floor between the two pillars of the facade is a Sanskrit inscription in the Grantha alphabet praising Rudra, and it reads as 'Six times cursed be those in whose hearts does not dwell Rudra (Shiva), the deliverer from the walking on the evil path'.

Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM

Entry: Free