torana

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torana

Indian temple gateway

Also known as: toran

Written and fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

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Related Topics:: North Indian temple architecture

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torana, Indian gateway, usually of stone, marking the entrance to a Buddhist shrine or stupa or to a Hindu temple. Toranas typically consist of two pillars carrying two or three transverse beams that extend beyond the pillars on either side. Strongly reminiscent of wooden construction, toranas are often covered from top to bottom with exquisite sculpture. The four toranas of the Great Stupa at Sanchi (see also Sanchi sculpture) are superb examples. Compare torii.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Kathleen Kuiper.