Prastara

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.^[7]

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.