WORLD RELIGIONS

Detailed explanation-1: -A pagoda is an East Asian tiered tower with multiple eaves common to Nepal, China, Japan, Korea, Myanmar, Vietnam, and other parts of Asia. Most pagodas were built to have a religious function, most often Buddhist but sometimes Taoist, and were often located in or near viharas.

Detailed explanation-2: -In the Western context, there is no clear distinction between a stupa and a pagoda. In general, however, “stupa” is the term used for a Buddhist structure in India or Southeast Asia while “pagoda” refers to a building in East Asia which can be entered and which may be used for secular purposes.

Detailed explanation-3: -The five layers represent the five major elements: earth, water, fire, wind and air. Even the various parts of the sorin (spire, or finial, lit. alternate rings) have different meanings. Since the pagoda is not meant to be climbed, you will also notice most pagodas do not have any windows.

Detailed explanation-4: -pagoda ( tō): A tower-like structure usually associated with temples or monasteries in East and Southeast Asia.