Lepakshi part 4 Natyamandapam

The Natya Mandapa, located in front of the Garbha Griha (main shrine), is a visual masterpiece. It boasts exquisite sculptures of dancers that capture the grace and beauty of Indian classical dance forms. Among these dancers, you’ll also find the representation of the Vasthu Purusha, the ideal man, adding a layer of symbolism and significance to the temple’s art.

As you gaze upward in the Natya Mandapa, you’ll be captivated by the breathtaking ceiling paintings. These artistic treasures depict various Gods and Goddesses in all their divine glory. One painting, in particular, stands out: the intricate portrayal of Lord Krishna. This masterpiece is so finely detailed that it appears as if Lord Krishna’s eyes follow you wherever you stand. Each mural is framed with a unique border, and in total, there are around 450 distinctive designs adorning the temple’s ceiling.

What makes these paintings even more remarkable is their age. These frescoes are approximately 480 years old, yet their colors and details have retained their vibrancy without the need for repainting. The artists of that time used natural materials, such as extracts from leaves and fruits, for their paints. Remarkably, beneath these ancient frescoes, you can still observe shallow holes where the dyes were crushed and prepared.