Pagoda

A pagoda is the general term in the English language for a tiered tower with multiple eaves common in China, Japan, Korea, and other parts of Asia. Most pagodas were built to have a religious function, most commonly Buddhist, and were often located in or near temples. This term may refer to other religious structures in some countries. In Thailand pagoda usually means stupa while in Vietnam pagoda refers to place of worship.

Related Topics:
English language - China - Japan - Korea - Asia - Buddhist - Temple - Thailand - Stupa - Vietnam - Place of worship

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It is believed that the original pagoda design originated among the Newar of Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. Since then, the architectural structure has spread across Asia, taking upon many diverse forms as details specific to different regions are incorporated into the overall design.

Related Topics:
Newar - Kathmandu Valley - Nepal

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Pagodas attract lightning strikes because of their height. This tendency may have played a role in their perception as spiritually charged places. Many pagodas have an antenna at the top of the structure known as a finial. This antenna is designed in such a way as to have symbolic meaning within Buddhism; for example, it may include designs representing a lotus. The finial also functions as a lightning rod, and thus helps to both attract lightning and protect the pagoda from lightning damage.

Related Topics:
Lightning - Spiritual - Lotus - Lightning rod

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