Prastara

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

[1] 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] 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.