Prastara

Prastara (Sanskrit: प्रस्तर, romanized: prastāra, extension, flat top) is a sort of entablature in Hindu temple architecture.[1]

A 1834 sketch of prastaras

Overview

It is a horizontal superstructure of bands and moldings above column capitals, sometimes functioning as a parapet of a story. Prastara is both functional and decorative element located above the architrave of the temple.[2][3][4] Being the third part of the building counting from the bottom, prastara is a very important element of the overall architectural composition of the temple.[5][6]

Meaning

In the Dravidian context, prastara signifies a meeting place, where the two divisions of the temple, prasada varga (the Earth) and the pada varga (the Heaven), meet each other.[7]

Parts

Prastara consists of several parts from bottom to top: uttara, valabhi (stringcourse above uttara), and kapota (dripstone).[8] Kapota is usually shaped as a pigeon's head.

References
  1. Harris, Cyril M. (2013). Illustrated Dictionary of Historic Architecture. Courier Corporation. ISBN 9780486132112. Retrieved 30 May 2019.
  2. Adam Hardy 1995, p. 82, 390.
  3. Vinayak Bharne & Krupali Krusche 2014, pp. 112, 126–130, 149–152, 280.
  4. Prasanna Kumar Acharya 2010, pp. 328–336.
  5. Williams, Joanna Gottfried (1981). Kalādarśana: American Studies in the Art of India. BRILL. p. 149. ISBN 9789004064980. Retrieved 30 May 2019.
  6. SMYTHIES, ADRIAN GREVILLE (2006). "THE ARCHITECTURE AND ICONOGRAPHY OF THE HINDU TEMPLE IN EADS, TENNESSEE" (PDF). Retrieved 30 May 2019.
  7. Shodhganga: Temples of Salem Region up to 1336 AD
  8. "An Introduction to Temple Architecture in India". www.historyfiles.co.uk. Retrieved 30 May 2019.


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