The Sayana
Mandapam, also called the Ardha Mandapam, is directly in front of the sanctum
(in accordance with the Agamas). This is as close to the sanctum that the
pilgrims can get. The Mandapam is connected to the sanctum by the threshold
called Kulasekhara-padi, after an Alwar who wished to be reborn as the
threshold to the Lord's shrine.
The
main function of this Mandapam is to facilitate the performance of rituals
that cannot be accommodated in the sanctum.
The
Mandapam is so called because it is here that the representative icon of the
Lord (Bhoga Srinivasa) is ceremoniously put to bed as the last sequence
(Sayanotsava or Ekanta Seva) of daily worship.
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