The mukhamandapa is a necessary portion of a temple. It is the first or frontal mantapa or pillared hall, usually having a raised platform, square in form. In some temples the pillars are finely carved. Sometimes, the ceilings of the mukhamandapa carry beautiful paintings.
The mukhamandapa is sometimes called sukanasi or ardhamandapa, depending upon its proportion, relative to that of the garbhagriha. Apart from being used as a passage, it is also used to keep the articles of worship including naivedya on special occasions.
