Pekada

[1] The pekada is a cubic intermediate structural element in joinery and the interface between a beam and a column, which transfers the load from the roof to the ground.

[3] This form of arrangement allows a certain amount of flexibility whilst maintaining the structural stability of the beam and pillar.

Pekada provides a method of transferring lateral as well as vertical loads of beams (especially when they cross at right angles) to pillars without inducing high local stresses at the connection points.

[4][5] Pekadas can be still seen clearly in Ambalama (wayside rest structures), the Magul Maduwa or Royal Audience Hall in Kandy and the Embekka Devalaya (built during the reign of King Rajadhi Rajasingha).

[6][7][8] They are designed to be viewed from below and feature traditional pendant (inverted) lotus or binara mala motifs,[9] often with the figure of a dancer in the downward face of the flower or a bird in place of the petals.