Prastara

A sort of entablature in Hindu temple architecture.

A 1834 sketch of prastaras

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

## Overview

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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

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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

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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

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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. sfn error: no target: CITEREFAdam_Hardy1995 (help)
3. ^ Vinayak Bharne & Krupali Krusche 2014, pp. 112, 126–130, 149–152, 280. sfn error: no target: CITEREFVinayak_BharneKrupali_Krusche2014 (help)
4. ^ Prasanna Kumar Acharya 2010, pp. 328–336. sfn error: no target: CITEREFPrasanna_Kumar_Acharya2010 (help)
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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