Krishna Mandapa
கிருஷ்ண மண்டபம்
A rock relief right beside Arjuna's Penance, where Krishna lifts Mount Govardhan to shelter herdsmen and milking cows, with lively, expressive figures.
Krishna Mandapa sits just south of Arjuna's Penance. It is a large rock-face relief shielded by a colonnade added later. The scene shows Krishna lifting Mount Govardhan to shelter herders from the torrential rain sent by Indra. Milking cows, a flute-playing herdsman and a woman holding a child bring the scene to life. It is considered the most humane work in Pallava sculpture. It lies in the core of the World Heritage monument zone, on the same hillside as Arjuna's Penance and Krishna's Butterball, and you can link them with a few minutes' walk. Entry to this area is free.
Opening hours
06:00–18:00
Nearby sights
- Raya Gopuram
- Sthalasayana Perumal Temple
- Varaha Cave Temple
- Ganesha Ratha
- Mahishasuramardini Mandapa & Lighthouse
- Krishna's Butterball
- Stone Carving Workshops, Mamallapuram
- Trimurti Cave Temple