Question

What was maha mandapa?

Answer 1

Hint: A progressive series of projections are applied to the centre of each side of the square sanctuary, giving a distinctive cruciform layout. The major pictures of the deities are usually placed in niches carved on the main projections, and the outside walls are usually ornamented with sculptures of mythological and semi divine figures.

Complete answer:
In northern India, a typical Hindu temple consists of a square garbhagriha preceded by one or more contiguous pillared mandapas (porches or halls) connected to the sanctum by an open or closed vestibule (antarala). The sanctum's entrance doorway is frequently ornately embellished with river goddess figurines and bands of floral, figural, and geometric adornment.

The Maha Mandapa was the temple's principal hall, where dances were performed.

Depending on whether or not they have walls, mandapas are classified as "open" or "closed." In temples, one or more mandapas are frequently found on the same axis as the sanctuary and the temple entrance. Other mandapas may be placed to the sides or detached within the temple compound in a large temple.

The mandapa is a porch-like building that leads to the Hindu temple through the (gopuram) (ornate gateway). It is part of the fundamental temple compound and is used for religious dancing and music. In most cases, the prayer hall was constructed in front of the temple's sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha). Many mandapa might be found in a huge temple.

Note: North Indian temple architecture is characterised by its distinctive shikhara, a superstructure, tower, or spire above the garbhagriha (“womb-room”), a small sanctuary housing the main image or emblem of the temple deity. It is produced throughout northern India and as far south as Bijapur district in northern Karnataka state.