Aayi Mandapam, Puducherry
Ayi Mandapam is a Greco-Roman styled memorial monument built by the then french Architect Lamairesse following the order of french king, Napolean III to commemorate the life of Ayi, a prostitute who lived during the period of the Vijayanagara ruler King Krishnadevaraya. This gleaning white structure in the heart of the present Bharathi park was built during the second french empire.
On top of the monument is a stylized lily used as a emblem or as a decorative element by the architect to emphasize the beauty of the monument by placing it on top of the round tomb. The structure stands on 16 columns from each side.
