A Mandapa (also spelled mantapa or mandapam) is a pillared outdoor hall or pavilion for the public in Indian architecture. It is used to deliver religious sermons. The maha mandapa is sometimes erected along a transversal axis with a transept. The word comes from Tamil manda meaning "big" and pa referring to an assembly area. The maha mandapa is so called because it has five doors, each leading to a separate room where prayers can be offered. These rooms are known as jagati, meaning "worlds". They are named after planets of the solar system: Sunroom for the sun, Moonroom for the moon, Earthroom for earth, Natarajasthana for Shiva, and Vaikuntha Bhavani for Vishnu. Mandapas were originally built for religious purposes but over time they became places where holy books are stored, debates are held, and sermons are given. They also serve as courtrooms, legislative bodies, and theaters. In India, these structures are often found at temples. But they also exist at mosques, synagogues, and churches. There are several types of mandapas. The maha mandapa is only one example. There are small mandapas for daily use within temples, and large ones for ceremonial purposes outside temples.