A 1834 sketch of prastaras

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

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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