Prakaram


A Prakaram 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 prayer hall is generally built in front of the temple's sanctum sanctorum.
with Sanctum on the right
Usually large Hindu Temples have one or more prakarams.