The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism (2 Vol Set)

a Mandaleshvar’s disciple is thus seen as
boosting his teacher’s prestige to an
even more rarefied state.

Mahamandapa

The mahamandapa is an architectural
feature found in the Khajurahovaria-
tion of the Nagaraarchitectural style.
Usually found in northern India, the

Nagara style emphasizes verticality, with

the whole temple building culminating

in a single highest point; in the

Khajuraho variant, the entire structure

gradually leads up to the central tower,

as foothills lead up to the mountains,

with the peak of this central tower

directly over the temple’s primary

image. In this style, the mahamandapa

is the name for the temple’s main

Mahamandapa

Mahant Bhagwan Das, renowned sadhu, attends the Kumbha Mela religious festival in Allahabad.