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Home > Temples of Kerala > Agra Mandapa Agra MandapaThe agra-mandapa is a hall attached to the main entrance to the valiambalam. It may be either pillared or not. In most cases valia-balikkall (principal bali-peetha) is installed here and in such cases it is known as valiabalikkal-pura or valiabalikkal-mandapa. It is generally an enclosed structure with one door at the main entrance to valiambalam and on the other three sides of naalambalam by halfwalls with either one of three openings. Over these semi-walls grilled wooden bars of outer obtuse-tilt-shape are built. In case the valia-balikkall is installed inside the agramamandapa its ceiling has decorations usually occupied by nava-graha, ashta-dik-paalakas or lotus- panelled grid. There is sufficient space for perambulation for valia-balikkall in the agra-mandapa. The balikkal-madapas of some temples have gallery of sculptures beautifully executed in the old Naayaka tradition apart from highly ornate carved pillars. It is generally seen that in Northern Kerala Valiabalikkallu is installed outside the agra-mandapa.
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