Mandapa (also spelled mantapa or mandapam) in Indian architecture, especially Hindu temple architecture, is a pillared hall or pavilion for public rituals. Mandapas are described as "open" or "closed" depending on whether they have walls. In temples, one or more mandapas very often lie between the sanctuary and the temple entrance, on the same axis. In a large temple other mandapas may be placed to the sides, or detached within the temple compound.