Prakaram

A temple complex prakram

A Prakaram (प्राकारम् in Sanskrit), also spelled Pragaram or Pragaaram) in Indian architecture is an outer part around the Hindu temple sanctum. These may be enclosed or open and are typically enclosed for the inner most prakaram.

Temple architecture

In the Hindu temple, the prakaram is the temple compound around the sanctum. Typically a Hindu Temple [1] prayer hall is generally built in front of the temple's sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha).[2]

Prakaram of Brihadeeswarar Temple with Sanctum on the right

Usually large Hindu Temples have one or more prakarams.[3]

Notes

  1. Ching, Francis D.K. (1995). A Visual Dictionary of Architecture. New York: John Wiley and Sons. p. 253. ISBN 0-471-28451-3.
  2. "Architecture of the Indian Subcontinent - Glossary". Retrieved 2007-01-08.
  3. "Glossary of Indian Art". art-and-archaeology.com. Retrieved 2007-01-08.


This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the Sunday, October 05, 2014. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.