Sabha Mandapa (Double Shrines) & the ancient shrines Overview Sabha Mandapa (Double Shrines) is a traditional temple structure that was popular in South India during the early part of the Hindu temple period. It consists of two structures, the Sabha and Mandapa, that stand side-by-side. The Sabha or audience hall, is an open pavilion with a large pillared seating area for members of the public who wish to attend religious ceremonies and other events. The Mandapa or ambulatory, is a closed wrap-around structure with several entrances. Inside, it is typically divided into a number of smaller chambers, which may be shrines dedicated to various Indian gods, or a place of worship for smaller communities. Sabha Mandapa (Double Shrines) & the ancient shrines Prominent Features The prominent features of the ancient shrine structure is the double shrine with Sabha & Mandapa standing side-by-side. The Sabha or audience hall is an open pavilion with a large seating area while the Mandapa or ambulatory is a wrap-around structure with several entrances. The Mandapa typically contains several smaller chambers with shrines dedicated to various gods or worship for smaller communities. Sabhas are also used for royal and other important ceremonies, with accompanying seating for honored guests. Sabha Mandapa (Double Shrines) & the ancient shrines History The origin of the double shrine structure can be traced back to the Early Chola period of South Indian history. They were a popular feature of Indian temple architecture in the 11th and 12th centuries and were commonly seen in Hindu and Jain temple complexes.Temples built during this period typically featured the double shrine structure along with several other decorative and functional features such as ornate gateways, elaborately decorated columns, and mandapas for social functions. The ancient structures were also places of great political significance, and have been mentioned in the inscriptions of several powerful rulers. During their rule, the Pallavas and other south Indian dynasties built grand double shrine structures in their palace complexes, many of which are still standing today. Sabha Mandapa (Double Shrines) & the ancient shrines Interesting facts 1. Many of the double shrine structures built during the Early Chola period in South India still stand today and are some of the oldest surviving temple architectures in the region. 2. Sabhas were also used by royalty and other important figures as a place of ceremony and contact with the public. 3. To this day, dozens of ancient temple complexes still feature classic double shrine structures throughout India. 4. The double shrine structure is commonly found in Hindu and Jain temples but is also a feature of some churches and synagogues.